Life has moved me in ways I never expected

A dance I knew I would be part of

But a plot I never understood before being in the moment

My heart bears scars Of love, of abandonment, of abuse

My Spirit is still strong It has healed, it still yearns

I still pray for that I have not experienced

For joy, for a love reciprocated, for security and protection

Life has bent me and formed the person I look at in the mirror

But the soul that stares back is kind, caring, and still loves

She prays for peace and joy, and continues to wait

Practicing the dance

Slow turns, deliberate movements

Smooth and calculated jumps

Like a ballet with a single dancer

Spinning and stretching

Waiting to be caught

Silence

Why do you punish me with silence?

You say I can speak my words freely. But when I do, you pull away.

I have learned to be silent.

To use my voice like a wall.

As a confirmation of truth.

A measure of my worth.

I shared my story and let you into my depths, where my secrets are hidden.

I thought it was safe to let things surface.

To air long-supressed feelings.

To let my heart hope it was safe.

Instead, you punish me with silence and teach me my feelings don’t matter.