Such strength and sadness.

Love this line -

Though I am often
a stranger
with a similar name

Well done

Personally, I don't believe any of us are without 'rotten' parts, but some are just more sensitive to them and thus, have to acknowledge them. But surviving the act of acknowledging them makes you stronger than most, MA. Those who are tough, perhaps, never suffer depression. But those who are truly strong suffer it and survive it anyway.
Happy new year and all the best as ever,

Ben

An emotional write that depicts well of the internal battle felt by many. Some ingenious insightful descriptive prose that will resonate with anyone who has faced similar demons. Milly x

Judging Comment:

The first time I read this, i found myself crying, and I’m not the type who cries easily. I connected with the poem, and it was like I have submitted to myself.
MA was addressing someone as “you”, and for me personally it wasn’t a person she was addressing. Because when I read it with my voice, it was life.
Genuinely, thank you for sharing!!