Content - the first of a series

the pattern of mood swings, bad days, panic attacks slows.

Grows the curve of good days is not flat

in fact - it is ever-rising

Everyday growth presents itself in

My smile - the way I look at myself in the mirror

warmth, emanating from inside when I say

I love you. I love you

My words - when I write love poems about

her curly hair, her soft skin, her chipped tooth, her thighs.

I feel complete.

My skin - raised scarring covers me

but I am no longer ashamed

rather - I am brave. I am proud. I am happy

to say

These are 3 months, 6 months, 18 months - two years old

and I am healing

and I am feeling

I’m living and breathing

Experiencing

No longer surviving

but thriving.