Every night I feel the distance that has grown between us, opening the empty spaces between the moon and stars where love once flew so far.

I've been fighting for a way out, I forgot the doors were open from the start.

Trauma befriended me, stole my dignity and my heart.

From its ugliness and fear, I grew beauty and bravery. For in the darkness beauty shines brighter and without the light the darkness would be nothing.

I am that like a star, I burn in the darkness becoming the light upon my departure.

Flying free, I am hanging high like
the moon, in the spaces of time I bloom.

Trauma never leaves me, it's a poke in my back, a reminder of what I lack, but also a testimony to my strength and agility.

I never looked back, it chose to be
my shadow, always behind me testing my abilities to handle the struggle.

©️ 2025 By Amanda Shelton