I look up at the sunrise;

I remember it being my reason to go on.
Hornbeak was a lonely, dark time
but now I'm shining in my own home.
I used to shoo away the cats from the house
Cause I knew my dad would throw rocks.
Now I cuddle with them as I fall asleep;
Now I am my own boss.
I used to be weak in the mornings
Cause I skipped dinner the night before;
Now I grab a snack as I head off to work
cause 500 calories isn't worth starving for.
I used to be scared I would not make it to college;
Now I am working on my Master's Degree.
I used to dread taking a shower
because bathing outside in icy weather is not for the weak;
Now I turn hot water on ahead of time
And the temperature is whatever I want it to be.
I remember sitting in church every Sunday
with men telling me what I should and should not be;
Now my Pastor is a female.
I once was blind, but darling now I can see;
No hand around my throat
or walking on eggshells.
If that is what it takes to get to Heaven
then I guess I will see you all in hell.
And I give myself permission to cry
and I recognize my feelings are valid.
Duane may be the name of my father
but I will never have a dad.
And that is okay with me.

I think I have had enough of being around men.
I used to dream of a prince charming
but this is now, and that was then.