I've seen things,
Ive felt things,
I've been numb -
lost my voice
to trauma.

I'm battle-scarred,
I'm wounded.
I've bled more than blood -
I've bled silence,
I've bled truth,
I've held my tongue.

I've crawled out of darkness,
fought to feel again,
walked at 2 a.m
In the pouring rain.

I've lied,
to hide my pain.

I've stood up,
l've not stayed down -
I've adjusted
my worn-out crown.