It’s with broken wings, I prepare to step out into the world. Being chained up for so long has worn on me in unimaginable ways.

I once was beautiful and proud.

Lifting my voice and head high.

But, years of solitude will change that.

Locking myself away, neatly in a dark space.

Where I was unidentifiable, even to myself.

It was lonely, but quiet.

From screams and slandering to silence.

And the silence was welcome.

You constantly jumped down my throat, I forgot how to speak.

I sometimes forget how easy it was to say hello to a stranger.