Religion,
tradition
teach selflessness
while pschology,
common sense
celebrate the self.
And a lifetime is spent
teetering in the middle
trying for a happy medium
be gracious
virtuous
do the right thing
and give
till you can give
no more
or-
truly and thoroughly
live-
just be
unfettered
free.
Then one day
you
name it
utter the unspeakable
and find, if not closure
- then what?
catharsis perhaps.
You acknowledge
those hidden scars
the ones inflicted by
Mother,
lover
by significant other
but-
don't shudder
or cringe
just reach for the stars...
Lift the veil of denial
( not the Egyptian river)
nonetheless
dive into the depths
the trauma and tears
remember the terror
still, learn to transcend
know
what doesn't kill
makes you stronger
sow
hope and heal
fight the pain
defy the slingers
of stinging shame
be wise
and visualize
that poster on your therapist's wall
" never make someone your priority
for whom you are only an option."
Call
yourself victor
not victim
and make of your life
a song
of sweet survival.