“You’re mother’s in the hospital.” It’s cancer! Be brave! “Your cousins are dead; all perished.” Don’t speak of it. You’ll upset others. “Dad is not what you think he is.” We have secrets. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. “Your sister is pregnant.” It’s a disgrace! They need my help. “Mother’s back is broken.” Go away! I am not wanted. “Mom is not coping.” Keep the baby quiet. It’s all on my shoulders. Suicide attempts drug use more deaths illness divorce sexual promiscuity breakdowns insanity spiraling out of control Hold it together We count on you. I am responsible. I am strong. They need me. Chaos collusion
runaway rape “I have to leave.” I’ll save you. It’s never-ending. I’m losing control. STOP! WAIT!
I AM WEAK
NOT ABLE
to
breathe
broken
need
space
I learn to be,
gain strength from
knowledge, baby steps
Let go
and let
God heal
restore revival
The Earth beneath me my protector; the sky above salvation; I am safe.
“You’re Mother is in the hospital.” She wants to die. I must be strong.
The walls around me crumble…
I am losing ground…
… a child again.
One Woman's Quest 
This is wonderful and evokes many emotions. The addition of the word-formed image of a child holding up others who are out of control adds so much. I know the the feeling of responsibility weaker others can put on you, though, fortunately not from childhood where the deepest wounds are gained. We cannot help those who are unwilling to pay the price to help themselves. We remain a crutch for a brokenness that can never heal.
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Omg, that punched me in the stomach…thank God I have not yet had to deal with this…so sorry…
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We all have our burdens to carry – is this not the root of creativity?
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True, and this is where my comedy comes from – I’ve used it throughout my life to cope.
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