My fears torment me every day
Things that I can't hide
Bad memories and loud shouts
Tearing me up inside

My smile hides this pain
That I can't seem to forget
Maybe I should, but maybe I can't
I don't know if they've won just yet

I laugh and I joke
And you think I'm okay
But frightful thoughts
Fill my head every day

I'm still scared and alone
And I'm still left behind
Memories, go away
I'm almost out of my mind

I try to face the world with bravery
But quickly it disappears
It seems, no matter what I do
That I'm haunted by my fears

© KLLK 2003

*Author's Note: I wrote this shortly after I got out of an
abusive relationship.*