Rights of Passage,
Proof of my inner strength,
My utter fragility.
They mark me,
these tattoos etched into my being,
A constant reminder of my shame, A constant sign of hope.
I survived the worst of it. I can survive the rest.
Breathing one breath at a time.
Taking each moment.
Knowing in time it gets easier.
These scars, these blessings, this curse.
As they grow old, I remember when they were still pink;
me lost within an inner nightmare.
I look at those scars when Iím weary
and know Iím not that child anymore.
Iím older. Iím stronger.
And I Survive.
"Ave atque Vale"