And Yet, Still I Stand

Fighting a fight that’s not mine to fight Tossing & turning countless sleepless nights. People say keep hope I’m trying but it seems I’m at the end of my rope Trying not to choke, choke on tears caused not by gravity but my reality. It’s as if a noose is around my neck On my tippy toes trying to steal a breath. But the Devil’s behind my back taunting me with nightmares from my present & my past. Tempted to jump. Nowhere to run. On the inside I’m crying, the outside I’m smiling The Devil I told you was behind my back Is everyone who told me I can’t, I couldn’t, I wouldn’t It’s the voices in my head telling me I shouldn’t, I shouldn’t fight back. I shouldn’t try to get the last laugh is the abuse from my mom’s dead dad. It’s those of you who thought locking me behind bars would heal my most intimate scars. It’s the reason I keep going. It’s the reason I’m still growing. So to that Devil behind my back — thanks for being my enemy. You’re the reason I fight for what I believe in. You’re the reason that I’m still breathing. So guess what. And yet, still I stand! — Lici —