The only way out is through – life poem by Tiffany Triefler

I was alone, but I wasn’t really.
They were around, but they weren’t really there.
Did I dream it all?

I tried to make myself small.
I told the world I didn’t need anything.
I always made it known that I didn’t need anyone.
Maybe now they will see me.

That’s how I survived.
But I didn’t really.
I just adapted.

They called it strength.
They called me mature.
But it wasn’t really that.
They were admiring an open wound.
I desperately needed someone. Anyone.

Then I became needed.
The way I always needed someone.

Initially that made me feel hopeful.
Until the little girl in me screamed.

And then it clicked.
I let myself feel the emotions that had been buried.
I broke.
I sobbed.
Again and again.

Until I felt nothing.
Except it wasn’t nothing.
It was a quiet rebirth.
An awakening.

Because I had permission.
Permission to finally take up space.
I was safe.
I could give in a way I never received.
But most importantly, I was seen.