Today is my birth day
I am newly born.
It was the most natural of births
But the labor dragged on
For thirty-nine years.

Today is a double celebration
I am toasting the death
Of my old self
And toasting the birth
Of me.
The real me.
The happy me.
The me who doesn’t feel the pain
Of abuse.
Who doesn’t feel the fear
Of ***.
Who doesn’t cower in shame
In the shadow of men
Who can’t love.

The funeral was quick
The burial was quicker
There will be no headstone
To commemorate that life
It’s dead and gone,
And I pray there are no scars
On my infant skin.

I don’t pretend that I will love again.
I don’t need that crazy ****
Living free and clear
Of ancient and ruins
Is enough for me.
I will not suckle on a ***
Ever again.
From this day on
Every step is a joy
It is my journey
And only mine.
Today I take baby steps
Tomorrow I walk
And soon I run
Putting endless miles
Between me and that
Cold unmarked grave.