But Never Again
By Samantha
When I was young I assumed I was strong. It is easy to feel that way before your strength is tested. My trial seemed long. I am grateful that it was not longer. Your actions and words must always be remembered. To forget would be an insult to my earned power. Our time together was an experiment… How much can she take? A lot. While under your inspection piercing, caustic words spilled from you. Words intangible, yet still they stab, they twist and torment. All those words lingered in my heart and stained my soul. Stinging barbs aimed at my dignity. I couldn’t help but to swallow. Force-fed hatred, my belly was full of your disdain. How skilled your tongue. I commend your manipulation. So dedicated to tearing me down. So creative was your belittlement. Unyielding criticism. Constant evaluation. Blamed for your own self-disapproval. Your words silenced mine. My words sought refuge in my mind. There they stayed, waiting, hoping to one day be liberated. Confidence waned. Idle for love, but love is not enough. Once trampled and defeated, I stand. I forgot I loved myself. But never again. Aim for betterment. Ascend to greatness.
