*content and trigger warning* please be advised these poems contain discussion of trauma, traumatic events, assault and recommendation of deep internal work that may bring up buried emotions and memories. please read at your own discretion.

speaking our truth

speaking out can be scary,

in fact it can feel like the universe just wants to see you fail.

so your mind creates excuses, reasons and stories,

to try protect you from the potential harm, even if it’s not true.

but you need to know you deserve to speak up and tell them what you went through.

i know trauma can change us, our values and the world we view,

and healing is a journey, that requires time and effort to dig within.

i was once frozen with fear, not feeling comfortable in my own skin.

it’s uncomfortable at first, fighting against what feels normal.

the pain, fear and blame lingering around for so long, it feels like second nature.

but in this life, in your life, you are the creator.

daily changes, turn to habits, turn to routines, then it’s normality.

your hopes and desires floating around have the chance to become your reality.

there is no cheat code, quick fix, or permanent way to escape.

it requires dedication, perseverance and a deep knowing of belief.

belief within, that you are enough.

belief within, that you can achieve.

belief in yourself that you have what it takes.

and belief in your voice to speak the truth.

you can become the person you looked up to and wished you had in your youth.

your mind is so powerful that it protects you from potential harm,

it’s so powerful it’s willing to create false narratives to keep you aware of any alarms.

so imagine what you can achieve when you take control of your mind,

turning the blame and criticism into something kind.

becoming your loudest and proudest supporter, instead of hiding in fear.

releasing the trauma inside and telling your story loud and clear.

then looking back on your journey, to see all you have achieved.

and pausing to process and let go of all you have grieved.

our healing will be a constant journey of learning and growing.

please remember to stop and reflect,

cause you may be healing without even knowing.

19/02/2025

mao

poems on speaking up – ‘breaking the chains’

it’s a terrible feeling thinking you won’t be believed.

but once i was, i thought of just how much i have achieved.

being trapped within myself for far too much time.

some times wondering if what you did was even a crime.

i was embarrassed and didn’t want to admit what i’d gone through.

now i’m an advocate, so that shows just how much i grew.

but it makes me think of how many people don’t speak out.

being chained to their mind, with this things called doubt.

see doubt used to cover every inch of my mind.

it created excuses and reasons to keep me blind.

but when i regained my vision, it made me see.

i needed to speak out if i wanted to be free.

free from the terror, the guilt and the pain.

i then allowed the truth to finally take the rein.

my voice used to be hidden away from the world.

but now i stand tall and am no longer curled.

so i won’t stop now, after finally finding it.

i will continue to keep speaking, as i refuse to quit.

i hope to inspire people who were once in my place.

and the mao community can become your safe space.

23/11/2024

mao

don’t give trauma the power to control you, you deserve to live how you want. take control of your trauma.

-life advice from one survivor to another

you are amazing 🤍