I have never proclaimed to be a poet nor the daughter of a poet. In fact, I have never written a poem in my life. However, throughout this week during my quiet time I had phrases and poetic "lines" coming to mind. I began to journal those thoughts and this is what they yielded: SWEETLY BROKEN: Well acquainted with heartache, calling loneliness her friend Under the weight of abuse and betrayal she’d bend Cruelty and violence were visiting kin While mistreatment and insults clothed her skin Where could she turn, who would understand? Is there one who would lovingly offer their hand? Secrets so plentiful and pain that abounds, She found it much safer to quietly drown No solace to be found neither day nor night; Her memories torment and fill her with fright Year after year she resolved this was her life, Convinced she was destined to be companioned to strife She embraced self-loathing and shame like lovers And dreamed of the day this life would be over Greetin...