Breathe

Oh, there you are…

You evasive devil.

You ancient accuser, woven into the fabric of my earliest days, flowing deep within my veins, my essence.

You’ve whispered who I was for far too long—too cowardly to speak aloud, yet loud enough to shape me.

You’ve made me tremble beneath the weight of others' judgments. I hate that I ever believed them.

You’ve made me question my ability to love and be loved, though I doubt you’ve ever known such a thing yourself.

You’ve caused me to pass your venom onto others without even realizing it—your damnable, twisted legacy.

But I see you now.

I know who you are.

And you are welcome to stay no longer.

The child will stay wounded no more.