Born into darkness.
They called silence loyalty,
called pain “love”
called darkness family
and told me hush up.
I was born in a house
where fear ate first,
where shadows raised children
and curses came versed.
An army of blood
stood laughing at me,
planted me deep
and expected debris.
They said I’d be nothing
a street, a mistake,
not dumb, just surviving
what children can’t take.
No handouts. No help.
Every inch I paid dues.
Still they called me a leech
while I bled through my shoes.
I refused to rot with them,
wouldn’t mirror their stain,
so they shook my dead father
and baptized me in shame.
But hear this real clear,
let it ring, let it stay
you don’t bury a seed
and demand it decay.
I lived.
I grew.
I shine through the proof.
They tried to kill light
and still
I broke through.
Growing up in an environment where silence was equated with loyalty and pain was disguised as love is an experience that many can relate to but few openly discuss. From personal experience, living in a difficult household where fear dominated daily life and shadows seemed to nurture rather than protect is something that leaves lasting scars. The poem captures this struggle beautifully—being planted deep in hardship, expected to wither, and yet finding the strength to survive and eventually thrive. One of the most powerful lessons I've learned living through similar challenges is that the narratives imposed by others—words like "leech" or "mistake"—do not define your true worth. The poem’s message about refusing to "rot with them" and not mirroring their stain resonates deeply. It is a reminder that breaking free from cycles of shame and destructive family dynamics requires immense courage and resilience. What also stands out is the metaphor of the seed. Seeds, when buried, are not meant to decay but grow into something new, stronger, and meaningful. This imagery reflects the universal truth that no matter how dark or oppressive the environment, growth is possible. It takes time, effort, and self-belief, but emerging from darkness into light is a powerful transformation. Another important aspect is how the poem showcases survival without handouts or help, emphasizing the strength found in self-reliance and persistence. This mirrors many real-life experiences where support systems may be absent, yet the drive to move forward remains unshaken. Sharing such personal stories can inspire others who feel trapped by their circumstances to seek light and growth within themselves. It also encourages empathy from those who might not understand the silent battles many endure. Ultimately, the poem and these reflections underscore the unbreakable human spirit—a testament to how even when "they tried to kill light," it can still shine through, shining as proof of survival and hope.
