We all have a story to tell and its in telling these stories that we heal. We give courage to others suffering in silence.
Stronger than I was
I’m stronger than I was
but not as strong as I have been.
I’ve traveled many pathways
good and bad things have I seen.
Friendships old and new
always there on which for me to lean.
Family there to reach out to
if and when I need to scream.
I’ve learned so many lessons
sometimes fallen in defeat.
Been inspired and determined
had moments bittersweet.
Struggled in the dark times
found it hard to find my feet.
Wading through the years
filled with lost love and deceit.
Healing is not easy
when shadow is etched into your soul.
It takes love and understanding
to make the shattered into a whole.
I’m stronger than I was
but not as strong as I could be.
Slowly getting stronger
learning to be me.
by Kaz Hughes
Depression
Alone and torn deep inside
too many nights when eyes have cried.
Frustration building – need to scream,
what’s on the outside, is not as it seems.
Conflicting emotions running rife,
this is no way to live one’s life.
Always guarded what we say,
words get twisted any way.
Anger shining in the eyes,
over time breaks loving ties.
Self control is getting thin,
the mirror shows torment within.
Dark thoughts echo across the face,
there’s no escaping from this place.
Ripped apart and glued together,
not every curse lasts forever.
by Kaz Hughes
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My Abuser
My abuser has many faces,
I’ve seen them through the years.
Faces that I thought I loved,
That only caused me tears.
My abuser has many faces,
Like a mask he wears so well.
Friendly on the outside,
So no one else can tell.
My abuser has many faces,
He loves to cause me pain.
Emotional, physical, mental,
To him it’s all a game.
My abuser has many faces,
Father, Partner, Friend.
People I should trust,
The torment never ends.
My abuser has many faces,
He knows just what to say.
Tear my confidence to shreds,
Take my children far away.
My abuser has many faces,
He puts all the blame on me.
If I’d done just as I should,
None of this would be.
My abuser has many faces,
The effects of which I wear.
Depression, stress and panic,
Anxiety and despair.
My abuser has many faces,
None of which I will forgive.
It’s made life so much harder,
This isn’t how I chose to live.
by Kaz Hughes