I ran through the darkest forests.
I chased the lions of my tallest mountains.
I stood in the rain for years ignoring my own fear.
I fell to the ground more times than I can count.
I fought the demons of my deepest thought.
I shot a bullet through the hearts of those who told me "You can't."
I broke my own bones so I could heal.
I stabbed the doubt within my own chest.
I sacrificed my own sanity to save my own life.
I am armed with my own pride, my own courage and my own faith.
I broke down my own walls and opened up my own eyes.
I am a survivor and I am still fighting.

-Lily P. McLaughlin-