Damaged

I am a rape survivor.

I have reclaimed a body someone tried to steal from me

but you call me

damaged

I am a cult survivor.

I was forged in the fires of hell

I have cast off shackles put on me at birth

and risen a new person

but you see me as

damaged.

I am a domestic abuse survivor

a spousal rape survivor

an alcoholic’s wife survivor

and I left that man within three months of saying “I do”

but it wasn’t soon enough for you.

You say that I am irrevocably

damaged.

I am a homeless survivor

and living indoors now

though it isn’t always easy and I never feel safe.

You probably think this is because

I am

damaged.

I cared for my son with little help and much heartache

kept him fed and clothed and in school

but to you I was nothing more than an unwed mother on assistance

To you I am nothing more than

damaged.

My triumphs

my strengths

my battle scars and stretch marks

To you they look like

damage.