PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

I come to you today not as a victim,

But as a tear-stained, battered, and bruised SURVIVOR.

Equipped not with lectures and statistics,

But with courage characterized by endurance and a first-hand perspective.

Counseled not by love and gentle caresses,

But by the reality of hatred and the kiss of anger.

When you hear my story, do not pity me, congratulate me,

Because I can say what few people can.

I can say, “I’m a SURVIVOR!”



I come to you today not with sadness and grief,

But with a song in my heart and a prayer on my lips.

Not a prayer of hatred or vengeance,

But a prayer of thankfulness and hope.

Hope not for the downfall of my aggressor and others of his kind,

But hope for all those who have a chance at a better life and for those that never will.

So, when you reflect, don’t reflect on me, reflect on those worse off than I am,

Because I can say what few people can.

I can say, “I’m a SURVIVOR!”



I come to you today not as a preacher

But as an example.

Not an example of pain and sorrow,

But an example of strength and courage.

Not the courage of a warrior,

But the courage of a peacemaker.

So when you sleep, dream not of my dreams, but of those that have no dreams to dream.

Because I can say what few people can.

I can say, “I’m a SURVIVOR!”



© Laura A. Bennett