I Never Said No (Original)

Of all the failure that I hold dear,
The moments of raging self-doubt
And evenings cut far too short,
I admit I never said no.

In my greatest tribulations,
Formed in the stoked and dancing flames,
When I could have pulled my hand back
And retreated to some safety,
I confess I never said no.

A child of abuse runs to fire
After learning they can survive,
Survive the beating and the drugs,
And the hostage's promises.
Remember, I never said no.

The fully grown victim fears not
The fires, the fists or the shame.
The victim understands their role
In this unfolding universe,
Not once do they ever say no.

And so here we are unable,
Unwilling to admit to no.
Afraid the universe will flee,
Will forget the victim still there,
The victim that is you and me.

I am still learning to say no,
From cracking, drying lips that bleed
On to these perfectly laid plans.
Indeed there is a universe
Apart from always saying yes.

And yet, still, I never say no.

Thank you for spending time here.