My Child: Epiphany

One thing that we often miss about the human experience is that each individual is responsible for their individual emotions and actions. Much has been written, and certainly, we have a justice system dependent on the truth that humans are responsible for their own actions. How do we view emotions, though? Perhaps, the greatest lie we have allowed in society is that the other person is responsible for how I feel. We design our personalities around irresponsibility for our emotions and moods. Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the Holocaust, wrote that the only thing a person can’t take from you is your ability to choose your own way. It is an indisputable fact that I was abused throughout my entire childhood. It is also an indisputable fact that only I am responsible for how I choose to respond to the abuse. This poem is what I believe to be the appropriate response: I am responsible for my emotions and moods, meaning I am responsible for saving myself.

There is no savior on the horizon because the savior was with you the entire time. You are the savior, don’t give away your power.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” -Viktor E. Frankl

My child in pain you cried out for help.

Your need from their abuse, you did not induce.

Those who could have helped.

Were not capable of holding you.

My child you cried in the dark

My child you chose to get back up.

My child, you applied the salve.

My child you held yourself.

My child you chose to be.

Accept the power in those moments.

Accept destiny in your own voice.

My child you are grown now,

And you protect yourself.

Vulnerability is okay,

Love is acceptable,

Breathe the air and feel life.

Your wounds will hurt, but they do not define you.

My child

Drift no more

Sails repaired.

Hull patched.

You need no savior,

For on that floor, you saved yourself.