Dancing in the Darkness

Dancing in the darkness?
slowly moving, creeping silently toward the light
leaving the shadows of shame behind.
Remembering no more the pain of you
–invading my space,
defiling my innocence,
crushing my spirit.
The flashbacks still haunt me?
I am sickened by the smell of your sweat
as the child inside me dies.
Stronger now, I lift up my head
rising above the fear,
knowing I am worthy of like and love.
Like a caged bird set free, I fly.
soaring toward the light, the hope, the promise
of survivorship and a new day.

-Keisha Hallie Woods