By Doris AC Johnson, MA of Psy

I come with no introduction. Yet  my presence is known

I’m not a whisper or a secret…I am full blown 

I had layers in lairs of dragons to slay 

I fell victim to prey because I didn’t pray

I was once caught in the tangled web that I weaved

He was the root of my evil so I could not leave

No matter where it was going, how it was or where it went

all he left me with was finger prints

I’ve seen black eyes, black clouds no blue skies 

Then I began to fear that my SON wouldn’t rise

I MADE IT OUT ALIVE

Now im back wise and proud and I’ve arrived

And I can face the mirror without a downsize

At one point, my shadow was my only friend

But even she deserted me in the end

No longer apologetic for being me

I am now soaring much higher than they expected me to be

When you see me enter into a room

broken flowers will bloom

tension and tantrums will go unnoticed

The petals of my pretty blossom like lotus

You can size me up, but I see your spoils

Backhand compliments slide off like oil

I goal get while you chase clout

The click of my heels will drown you out

Your toxic comparisons don’t measure my passion

There will be ooohs and ahhs and question asking

I carry a tray while you struggle with a saucer

Youre a 7 day trial

I am a limited offer

I have gone through hell and back with angels of deceit

With the ones who placed presents at my feet

Laughing and looking…they were hellbent

Now you wonder if I came or if I was sent

Simply, didn’t expect the praise when I came

Never knowing my real name

No fault of theirs …ignorance is to blame

I tried to be typical, but we are not the same

Be fine with that piece of pie PLEASE

But I have the ingredients and the recipe

I won’t adhere to your prejudices based on what you thought you heard

I will stand still stuffed without a word

The same fire they built for me, they wish they could survive. 

I set fire on fire. I made it out alive. I didn’t just walk in here, Pooh Boo, I arrived.

My head is held high, shoulders back, tears that don’t cry. An now I’m here Peaches, I arrived. 

Dismayed at my drive..faces are beet red

Sorry not sorry, I said what I said

In the poem I just shared with you, I referenced various things that I have experienced… isolation, low expectations, poor self-image, a broken spirit, and finally perseverance…the most intense thing that I demonstrated here is my experience with domestic abuse. If you are in danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is a survivor in crisis, please contact Leaving You For Me Women’s Services where loving me begins at 1-844-550-9909