When I was Young

When I was young I had so much trust in others.

I was Naïve.

I was a Child.

When I was young my heart pounded with such independence.

I was Brave.

Yet, I was still a child.

When I was young I loved with ALL my heart.

I was not prejudice.

I was a child full of love and light.

When I was young;

I was sexually assaulted for 2 years starting at the age of 5.

I lost my trust.

I lost my courage.

I felt like my full heart was broken...shattered into a million pieces.

Who would want me? A broken and hurt child?

I lost my voice.

I felt helpless.

Just like hide and seek.

My Sister Jessi and I's favorite game;

I hid those feelings.

It was my secret.

My Pandora's Box that I was too afraid to open up.

When I was a child I was Naïve.

Now I am an adult that little girl survived.

I was always Brave, Independent, and full of Love and Light...

Yet, I was still naïve.

Who would believe me after all these years?

Then I realized with clarity and strength;

I wasn't the only one.

The voice I had buried deep inside has come back.

It came back though when I realized I was just a child.

I forgave myself. I was too afraid to speak out.

Now with the help and therapy I sought with a lot of strength and tears, I

want to be heard.

For I was only a child;

And if I could help just one other innocent, naïve, full

of love and light child like I was then.

That would be the greatest gift I truly could give!