Rising on Her Own Terms

Amidst the chaos of her mind,

Struggling to leave her fears behind.

The past haunts her, constantly near,

But the world just doesn't seem to care.

She is blamed for not being there,

But others are unaware of the true extent.

Of the nightmares that haunt her,

And the memories that never relent.

Yet others still expect her to perform,

To be present and to give,

While they were never around, even for a shout.

The audacity of people to still expect.

They still complain,

Demanding love and care,

When she can barely handle her own air.

But where is the love when she needs it?

Where were they when she lived with crippling fear?

That Still dragged her down every year?

While people forgot her story,

The scars of the past cannot be erased.

As PTSD's chains surround her,

A battle she fights every day.

And here, others continue to demand,

Without ever considering the cost of her suffering.

Understand! She is not your emotional slave,

But a person with her own pain.

And if others can't see that,

Then they shall leave.

Leave! Don't expect a thing from her,

Because she won't let them hurt her again.

She's done playing life's game.

She shall rest and heal, till her heart restore.

For she will rise on her own terms.