(A poem written to present at Irtiqa Magazine’s Rise Above Abuse Workshop)
Fear not the snarl of the lip that foretells rage,
Rage that rises without warning, without reason
Fear not the clenching of the fist that rains blows on your body,
a body already battered and bruised
Fear not the boot that endlessly kicks at your cowering fragile, frame,
a frame that has withstood and will withstand
Fear not the curses that reduce you to a shell of emptiness, of nothingness,
Words that stamp out your identity, your humanity
Fear your need to hide the scars and cover up the bruises
Fear your remarkable ability to pretend all is well
Fear your eagerness to forgive and forget
Fear your strength to stem the tears
Fear your hope that tomorrow will be different, tomorrow will be better
Fear your reluctance to seek help
Fear your patience, your tolerance, your acceptance
Fear your forbearance – it empowers the coward, the weak, the not-man
Overcome your fear
Celebrate your strength
Rejoice in your community
You are an individual but you are not alone
You are not alone
You are not alone