maybe i should not
walk towards dark
memories

i should not sit
with a knotted
stomach, not tear
into old wounds
that scabbed over

i should face
forward, and march
on, not pick away
at a thing that
was one so harmful

i shall continue on
and yes, i may
cry, but i will
heal by walking
by learning
by smiling

with my shoulders
back, and my
chin held high
and though my cheeks
will be tear-stained
i shall heal