October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

[Josie Mixon]

WAITING TO BE HEARD

I’m still here
Waiting
Still waiting for you
Have you forgotten me already?
We were close once
Remember the time we spent together
Remember the pain we shared
The tears the crying
The unanswered prayers
Those breathless moments
When we fought to catch our breath
Don’t forget about me
I’ve had to stay behind
And I don’t know that I’ll catch up
You’ve moved on
To better things
A better life
Without the fury of love
My pain, my hurt
Is not a memory
Like yours
It is where I still live
Today
It is where I am calling you from
Right now
Survivor?
I’m not there yet
I’m still here
Waiting
Just waiting for my turn
My chest is tightening
As is my throat
As I fight back the tears
Remember me
Time has not separated me from the agony
Of being me
I’m still here
Do not forget me
I’m right beside you
Behind you
And sometimes across from you
I’m not the silent witness
Whose cries went unheard
I’m not the survivor
Who stands before you
Revealing her soul to you
I’m still here
The colors of violence still
Define my face and my life
They have not faded
Still
I am a victim waiting
To be heard
Go ahead
Continue your journey to healing
And survive
But do not forget me
I’m still here
Waiting to be heard
I am
Still
A victim

By Josie Mixon