mum

I know because you told me
that you were little and
that your uncle used you and your aunt never knew
or never allowed herself to know

I know because you told me
that your father ripped your innocence away
when you were four years old
and said
look what you made me do
like that would make it your fault
and it took you a lifetime
to find your anger and throw off his blame
your shame
and embrace your innocence and wholeness again

I know because you told me
that Death shoved cold fingers deep inside
taunting you
and you are still staring Death down
saying
you can't take me
I still have life to make

I know because you told me
that a stranger wearing sex as a weapon
hurt you and twisted you and
your healing is a long hard battle

I know because you told me
that life came to you but could not stay
it wasn't time
and that life left
and you were a little hollow
but almost whole

I know so much
because you told me
and so did you
and you
but I cannot tell
because it is not my story
and I only hope that
hearing you
helps you
heal