The first time we met,
I knew I could trust you.
Not a burden, nor a threat.
Together we grew.

Our bonds of friendship, unbroken.
Life was light, as it was dark.
Loyalty, honesty. Given. Unspoken.
We've always had that spark.

It has all been thrown at us.
Never once did I doubt,
Through all the breaks and cuts,
The screams, the shouts.

We'll always have each other,
Everyone else is background noise,
That has become lost in the thunder,
As we've discovered our joys.

Friend is too weak a word,
To describe what you are.
Family is more preferred,
As you are never far

From my heart and mind.
When the call comes,
I'll respond in kind.
No matter the outcome.

We've had each other's backs,
Through joys and losses.

Through thick and thin,
Sam, what a pleasure it's been.

What will it mean
To never break?
To be stripped clean,
To feel joy yet still ache?

Like the trees in the wind
Of a harrowing storm,
You may twist and bend,
Even lose your form.

Like the rising of a tide,
You eventually submerge,
Into the depths, you hide,
Capitulating to every urge.

You rise from the ground,
As would a terrifying earthquake.
You are no longer bound,
You will no longer break.

Fire roars in your honour,
It's flames always dancing.
'Behold! Look upon her.'
Stronger still, you are standing.

Nothing can break you now,
Not water, earth, fire or air.
You have given a vow.
Try and break me. I dare.

It appears in flashes,
Like white lightning
That leaves trees in ashes.

To say it's complicated
Would be watering it down.
Patiently it's cultivated.

Always beaten back
An unfortunate child,
Left alone in a shack.

It comes as no surprise,
As it finally erupts
Amidst terrible cries.

'You never listened!
As I cried and cried.'
Eyes glazed and glistened.

I see it now,
Small sweet child,
I will show you how

You can be heard again
So, that hurt and anger
No longer causes us pain.

Why did it take so long
For me to face my fears?
To realise I was strong.
Strength would wipe away my tears.

A question asked by many.
Those looking within,
Those who cannot bury,
And feeling stretched thin.

Finding myself;
A life long quest.
'Look to thyself'
Given time, given rest

Your time will come.
Love and friendships will fade,
Depression that leaves you numb,
No doubt leaves us afraid.

Darling don't fret.
Your power is there,
Unseen as of yet,
Ready to glow and glare.

There are many nights ahead,
Soundless and sleepless alike,
Full of worry and dread,
Tears ready to strike.

These cannot be controlled,
Nor should they be feared.
Let the feelings roll,
Allow your mind to be cleared.

This cycle is found,
Over and over again.
Though you aren't bound
to hold onto the pain.

What is it's meaning?
I may never know,
I may have to keep dreaming
And let it flow.

Flow through my veins,
See it from afar,
Unshackle its chains,
Allow it to bruise and scar

Through flesh and bone,
Head and heart.
Ruptured then sewn,
So I don't fall apart.

Back and forth it goes,
All through my head
Like beatings and blows.
Exposed on the bed,

Vulnerable and raw.
It plays on my mind,
I watch it with awe.
It cannot be defined.

Uncertainty is rife,
While some may panic,
It is here I thrive,
Neither worried nor manic.

I trust in the universe,
I know it will be right.
While this may be adverse,
I choose to see the light.

You've drawn first blood,
It rolls down my skin.
With a soft thud,
My world begins to spin.

It turns me over and over,
As the moon would the tide,
Like that first kiss from a lover,
The first glimpse of the bride.

Next is the scent,
A tinge of copper.
On its slow descent,
I begin to stir.

A soft taste of metal
Envelopes the lips,
The wound has now settled.
Quivering, my mind slips.

To that first touch,
However delicate
T'was clearly too much
And I am left desolate.

A rose's thorns.
Tomorrow I'll prepare
To have the blood adorn'd,
From that first tear.

Growth, empowerment, love.
Words of our generation,
Words we can't get rid off.

Should we try to? No.
Look within,
Feel your heart grow.

Love yourself, it's deserved.
No matter what anyone says,
It should not be curbed.

Hate, oppression. It is all rife.
My dear one, don't forget,
You get to live your best life.

If people turn and say nay,
Don't panic, do not worry,
I promise, they're not here to stay.

Growth, empowerment, love.
All treasured things,
That you can be proud of.