I am aware of April marching toward me
and yes, I am scared
at a red light I tell him this;
you're strong enough, he says,
clasping my hand tighter

maybe, but I wasn't then, and somehow
an anniversary triggers it, and I can feel hell close
beside me, behind me, or ahead of me

I am strong enough
I was strong enough to change
and now I refuse to be a victim of circumstance
last year's methods were deadly and I am done
come, April, come
you won't see me fall

-c.j.