Still Standing Today

I was young when home fell apart. Too early lessons

for a fragile heart. Left my parents, learned to pretend.

Living with relatives, counting my ends. Other kids had arms to run into.

I learned strength before I knew truth. Smiles I wore so they wouldn't

see how lonely that child was inside of me. A broken silence

healed alone. Turned every tear into a stone. I was weak, but I held

on tight. Even fear couldn't steal my light. I'm still standing, still alive.

After every fall, I survived. The nights were dark, the pain was