Yet Here I Stand

I’ve waited so long for this
I feel unquenchably elatedly free
The binds loose
The heartache gone
The criticisms dissipate
I never thought I would be free of this
This day seemed so far-gone
Yet here I stand
Overcame my weaknesses
Simply needed to believe
My strengths, my ability
Never gave up
Never gave in
To the darkness
To the insanity
The pain was deep
The confusion a complex maze
I forgot somehow along the way
It was never my fault
Never ever… except
I should have never gave into
The misery
Brought myself down
When I knew I was so much better
So much better than ever known
Now I feel in control
My thoughts my own
My feelings intense
Yet malleable with rationality
Simple calming mechanisms
A learning process
Found security within myself
A reliability that undoubtedly makes me
Feel at one and intimate with myself
An intimacy no one will ever know
Just believing in myself
Letting my heart, mind, and body guide
As one
Your hurricane was strong
Your power profound
Yet here I stand
Implanted in my foundation
Stronger more than you will ever know
Wiser more than you will ever have

By: Amara Van Orden

For all the men and women who've had to endure emotionally consuming, horrific, hurtful relationships. I hope one day you all may be or are free.