An Affirmation for the Violated

An Affirmation for the Violated

I was week, and frightened, and broken

and violated

and hopeless

and bound

I was disconnected, and untrusting, and fragile

and voiceless, and nameless and lost

But that was was and this is is

I reached outside of myself and found myself

in a different colour, and gender, and age

I have found my voice, and my name, and my way!

and have made a fierce commitment to the powerful loving

of my newfound self

I have been weak – but I will be strong

I have been fragile – but I possess courage

I have been broken – but I will be healed

I have been violated – but I will be cherished

I have been hopeless – but I laid claim to a vision

I have been bound – but I will be free

I have found my voice, and my name, and my way!

I have been disconnected – but by courage I have reached out

and melted with my precious self

I have been untrusting – but I will relearn the freedom

of risk-taking

I have been fragile – but I can be strong,

and solid,

and awesome in my gentleness, and unselfishness and sensitivity

I was was

But I am now is

And

I have found my voice, and my name, and my way!

circa 1972

Melinda Contreras-Byrd