Hurt

The hurt was long ago and far away.

I do not know it anymore

because I have let it float away.

I could have held it close

And I did those first days,

Weeks, months, year

Because it nursed the beast

Of not returning and closed the door

It seemed to make me strong

Until one day I realized

This thing I was nursing

Had grown inside and was

Reflecting back a different me

Someone who seemed an awful lot like

You, an abuser with only dark places

I didn't want that to happen

So I let the hurt begin to disappear

By remembering, telling a story

Even writing it all down in a book

With each page, with each retelling

With each encounter the hurts

Became lighter and turned into healing

Yes there are scars and yes there are

Times I struggle but the deeper

Burden has gone with the wind

Of love which has taken residence

Under it all telling a new story

One where I know my strength

And I know that came through seeing

Your pain, your hurt reflected in my own

We share a humanity we cannot deny

My choice has given me a new path