How did you do it?
How did you endure the pain,
keep going on, day after day,
function as if you were fine,
act as if life was good,
stay quiet and keep secrets
and survive abuse for years?

When now, the mere memory
is enough to turn me inside out,
to knock me down
and keep me on the sidelines
for days at a time.

You must have been
far more resilient,
stronger, tougher,
more patient, more resourceful,
braver, more courageous,
and filled with much more hope
and determination
than I can even imagine.

Looking back
at my younger self,
I am proud and
amazed by you.

- Lee