I didn’t cry at first.
I was too numb, too shocked.
I sat there in disbelief.
Until my mind exploded.
Until I cringed in disgust and fear.
Am I safe anymore? I questioned.
I tried not to think about it.
I was hoping it was just a horrible dream.
But it wasn’t.
And the hate, it came the next day.
I hid from it, out of fear and self-preservation.
But I heard the stories, I heard the words, I heard the abuse.
But I still refused to cry.
I thought to myself, I will be fine, I will get through this.
And I sent out thoughts of safety and concern to those I was afraid for.
But finally, when I heard the self-doubt,
When I realized little girls didn’t know their own value,
When they questioned their self-worth,
My heart broke.
Because while I am resilient.
While I have grown up in the hatred.
While I have survived.
They should not have to go through the oppression.
Let them live.
Let them love.
Let them be.