Survival Looks Good

We know abuse hurts.

We see it in the bruises. In the scars.

We can sense it in the darkness behind the eyes. The shadows that lurk just under the surface.

They give them names. Those scars on our minds.

We know abuse hurts.

But, God, why didn’t someone tell me how much healing hurts, too?

Why didn’t someone tell me how much it hurts to remember?

Why didn’t someone tell me how much it hurts when your heart shatters all over again?

Why didn’t someone tell me how much it hurts to heal those long buried wounds?

Why didn’t anyone tell me that??!!

And why didn’t they tell me how strong surviving makes me feel?

Why didn’t they tell me how much brighter the stars are after surviving the sunset?

Why didn’t they tell me how the Phoenix is so amazing after surviving the fire?

Why didn’t they tell me about the life after surviving hell on earth?

Abuse hurts.

Healing hurts.

But, damn, survival looks good on me (and you)!