Bravery

Their words plunge like daggers
 Focused, derisive laughter
 A target outnumbered
 Cornered and torn asunder
 Cast out and rejected
 Fragile and unprotected
 A misfit pariah
 Ridiculed, undesired
 A font of strength is flowing like blood from open veins
 A cache of courage to brace against the blinding pain
 Each one of us fights battles no one else can see
 Some days just waking up is an act of bravery
 Self-image distorted
 Reality contorted
 Dysmorphic perception
 Self-doubt and introspection
 Devouring and purging
 Toxic cycle emerging
 The shame hold, the tears flow,
 Unanswered prayers for control
 Addiction, dependence
 A slave in every sense
 A pattern repeating
 Pointless and self-defeating
 Clock ticking, time squandered
 Promises left unhonored
 Will failing, hope dying
 Obstacles multiplying