shower the tears off my body
wash the hurt down the drain
salt will not stain my face tonight
sorrow will find no place
this fight will be won by strength
a fist clenched
against the waves of anguish, pulsing
a stance of defiance
to the prancing fools of my brain
telling me of my worthlessness
that mock me most in my weakness
quelling fears by gritted teeth
grinding away unspoken words of my own worst enemy
lips pursed
poised to spit forth fury of their own
knees locked
standing stock still
unwavering
refusing to fall
stomach steeling itself
for the one-two sucker punch
of self-loathing and self-pity
who always lead this merry dance of despair
ears closed, mind set
ready to vanquish the venom of the whispering devils of fear and doubt
agony will find no dwelling place here tonight
my body will not be wracked with sobs
that ache my heart
nor vanish into a curled up heap
of unrecognisable form taking shelter from the world
yes!
tonight I have stood firm
conquered this attack
but I know another is not far off
the battle, for now, is won
but the demons will forever shriek and rage
so the war inside
will eternally wage