The girl turned away

From that which made

Her heart stop.

She had always been afraid,

Afraid from the beginning

That the other shoe would drop.

 

She had learned from others,

Who were good with deception,

To be careful of those

Who were incongruous

With  their words and actions

That did not match up.

 

Despite all their platitudes,

She learned to keep the peace,

By doing what they wanted

And demanded from her.

She had to pay a price,

The great sacrifice of Self.

 

Instead of feeling sad,

She learned how to smile,

To cover up her pain. 

She became quite strong,

Was praised for her strength,

Although her soul had lost its song.

Yu/stan/kema