I face a terror
daily.
I look into the mirror
only to see
a coward
returning my gaze...
...bête noire .....
The only lasting memory
being crippled with fear.
A child
neglected and voiceless.
Easy prey
effortlessly
manipulated
used
forgotten.
A lifestyle of
abuse denied.
Becoming a mother
without ever having
a mother.
Trying to protect
The innocent.
To give them
what she lacked
security....
Terrified
the sins of the mother
would visit the sons.
Was the fear
who was her constant companion -
inherited?
Becoming the driving force
within the four
warriors
She gave life?
As the last one
marches eagerly towards
Semper Fi.
Angst floods her
mind
body
and soul.
consumed with the cowardice
they would never show
and hopefully
will never
know....