Potential

Today, I looked into the mirror no longer hating what I could see
for once these eyes didnt glare back with self hatred at me
feeling slightly strange as contentment settled within
because in all these years, I'd never been comfortable in my own skin
only today was different, and I smiled at my reflection
because honestly; who really decides what qualifies as 'perfection?'

Sighing with appreication, ready for my life to finally begin
and I laughed thinking of the times I'd allowed others to 'win'
for it's difficult to love yourself when you've been constantly used
raped, beaten, blamed, lied to; and your trust always abused
and yet here I am standing on the other side of it all
stronger than ever, my reflection left me enthralled.

Anxiety, self harm and depression were always my style
unable to recover from atrocities that left me hostile
believing all the cruel words spoken, all those hateful jibes
plastering on a smile but slowly dying inside, yet today,
today I looked in that mirror and realized I'm better than they say
all along I just needed to begin living life my own way
no more hate and tears, nor always coming undone
for today I saw the potential in the woman I've yet to become