I don’t throw the “T” word around lightly. Denial (a less healthy coping mechanism) is my middle name. But make no mistake, I was traumatized by events beyond my control. Now, I’m trying to get back to basics by practicing all the healing/self-care activities, like going to Kansas City or Atascadero. Woot Woot!!  I wrote this as free verse to get the whirling thoughts out of my head.

I’ll always be the girl

with her head in the clouds

who feels electricity

through her soles

walking through grass

connected to Earth

kneeling in dirt

sifting soil through her hands

I’ll always be the girl

who sees beauty in pain

cries when she’s happy

laughs when she’s sad

I’ll always be the girl

eternally grateful

for wounds that won’t heal

making me real

by love, I’m sustained