They thought I was a quiet child,
So easy, good, obedient, mild.
They said I cried to draw their gaze,
Then blamed me for my frightened ways.
They called me frozen, hard, unkind;
Said, “It wasn’t bad. Leave it behind.”
They taught me trust was where harm starts,
And truth would keep me torn apart.

To stay unharmed meant “do as told”;
I made myself both small and cold.
My voice was danger, so it fled;
My tears spoke every word instead.
I searched each room for where to hide;
My body learned to step outside.
My world stayed braced for each attack;
The nightmares left, then circled back.
I am the one I trust the least;
Each new connection redraws peace.