Poem: Aurora 58: Survivors in Hope, Selflessness and Defiance

I'm a survivor!

The cacophony 

of violence

did not win!

Unhinged cruelty,

answered

with selflessness -

The welfare

and safety

of others,

placed above own.

I stood resolute,

in the midst 

of the fear

and despair

of unfolding tragedy.

The moment of violation,

a frozen

and haunting 

memory -

a witness,

to inconceivable 

depravity.

A deep

and vulnerable scar

remains.

I stand tall,

in defiance,

to the hate

and rage,

of my attacker.

I am slowly healed,

by the love

and support,

within 

and without,

that surrounds me -

From faith,

family,

friends

and strangers.

Each day born,

embraced,

with bravery 

and courage.

A conviction,

in the worth 

and common decency,

of the human soul,

was not lost!

Instead,

fortified.