Being 23

I'm twenty three and what have I done?
a mother, a worker, a wife I've become
My past was so bleak, it took time to adjust
to feelings of hopefulness, pride and trust.

I've walked every road or so I once tried
was drinking, was smoking, wouldnt care if I died.
The drugs that I took were too much to bear
Would have gone even further, i just didn't care

I was nineteen when i was found alone
Tried to kill myself in my parents home.
Even that wasn't right, it brought tears everafter
When all that I wanted was friendship and laughter.

I've slept with many men, I'm ashamed to admit
They broke my self confidence, I was treated like shit
They called me those names , ones I dare not repeat
They still haunt me now in my mind as I sleep

I'm still a little girl just trying to escape
From memories that linger and make me feel hate
At least I have something to prove I'm worth more
Than a shag in a car , then be shown to the door.

I'll always have pride and dignity intact
Its hard to stay angry when I start looking back
For I'm twenty three now, standing proud, standing tall
so I'll stick up two fingers and shout " go fuck you all "!

I'm a wife, I'm a mother, I have loved and I've lost
But for all of these reasons, no matter the cost.
I've survived all your comments, at last I am free
Now who does that make stronger, is it you, or is it me ?