You're Not Alone (January 25, 2018)

I write this

As a tribute

And sign of respect.

To all people

Who have come forth

In reporting sexual abuse
And harassment.

However

Long ago

It happened.

Regardless

Of your gender

And sexual orientation.

It's so easy

To blame yourself

As a victim

Of these crimes of power.

There is

No others way

To describe this.

Except

The brutal truth.

I speak this

From my own experience

Of physical mental

And psychological abuse.

As I struggle

With my own sense

Of self-worth

And confidence.

Just the very act

Of coming forward

Is a huge positive step

In your healing process.

Won't lie to you

By saying

It'll disappear

Overnight.

A strong support network

Of friends family

And therapist

Will help.

As a shoulder

Upon which

You can cry on.

And yes

There will be times

That you'll appear

To be regressing.

But

Know this

This is part

Of the healing cycle.

Whether or not

You decide

To file criminal charges

That's a decision

Only you can make.

Either way

You’re not alone

In this journey

Of healing.

Therisa © 2018

Author’s notes: Over the past couple of months, the world has witnessed the emergence of the social phenomena of the #metoo movement, as sexual abuse and harassment survivors are coming forward with their stories, as they reclaim a part of lives. For these men and women, this poem is my way of supporting you. May you find healing and closure for the trauma that you forced to endure at the hands of others. Often, in position of authority over you.