What do I know
What can I know
What fine lessons
What has been taught
I know the pain-
bitter, burning
as it poisons
my very soul
Oh, humiliation-
now, that is a large word
with a larger effect
shame, heaped upon oneself
I know despair-
hopeless, wanting
needing, dying
from inside out
Now the degradation-
there is yet another
treated like you are less
and worse, feeling like less
How I know suffering
and much mental anguish
it’s intolerable
death would be a release
What it is like
to be haunted
by memories
regret, sorrow
Then survival-
insufficient
an existence
does not mean life
I know wondrous hope-
giving me reason
to continue on
with this thing called life
Determination-
there is a big word
the will, and desire
to fight and strive- live
What about the joy-
of simply being
you and that is all
and that is enough
Then there is love, sweet love-
the biggest word of all
giving hope, and freedom
it is beautiful
What do I know
What can I know
What fine lessons
What has been taught
Without the bad
we would never
APPRECIATE
what good we have