My strength, I have gained it
Not just by walking through sunny,
peaceful fields of flowers and bees
But through brutal battles and dark nights
When merciless swords were pointed at me
and stabbed wherever they could

I have gained it while being beaten,
kicked, tortured and locked up
I have gained it in moments
of deep despair while facing death

I gained strength, not in my armour,
my muscles or in my masks
and defense
But in the openness and softness of my heart
For only by understanding the darkness
I could truly understand love and light

©RoseGirl2019