Strength to Survive

Give thanks to the year
Another year alive
Give thanks for all to hear
You had the strength to survive

Through all the slaps and yells
You remained stolid
Determined to escape hell
And of this anger be rid

Despite the loss of loved ones
You bravely gave a smile
When all around you came undone
You held on for a while

Pushing away the shame
Of running that red light
Still finding yourself to blame
For the car crash that night

Persevering through the horror
From a crazed gunman
As the events occurred
Six lay dead as you ran

Lying to yourself again
Saying it was a nightmare
He couldn't raped you; he's your friend
Relieving the events; too scared to share

Dancing the pain away
Every insult, look, and upturned nose
Leaping and twirling your way
Satisfaction from bloody toes

Mending a broken heart
Your ex has moved on
Seeing them together tears you apart
Puffy, bloodshot eyes every dawn

Immersed in debts
Laid off, no work in sight
Looking around in regret
Wondering if things will ever get right

Resisting the urge
Though the voices taunt
Running to go purge
Perfection is what you want

Cowering in the shadows
As the yells grow louder
Love you will never know
As long as father stays with her

Weaving through the people
Till the body comes into view
Screaming as you fall, eyes locked on the skull
Your loved ones dead, what are you to do?

In spite of all the hardships
You held your head up high
Although you sometimes slipped,
You strived to survive