I used to think love
was a fist to the face
a belt to my back
a venomous tongue
that cut deep and left scars
But now I know
that love is soft
gentle hands
a warm embrace
a voice that soothes
and a heart that understands
Its not easy to heal
from the wounds of the past
the memories that haunt
the fear that lingers
the doubt that creeps in
But I am stronger now
and i am learning
to trust
to love
to believe in myself
and find my own way
I will not be defined
by the pain of my past
by the words that were spoken
by the fists that were raised
I am a survivor
and I will rise above
with a heart full of love
and a spirit that is free