Still Standing

Her father raped her as a child,
to drunk to forsee his actions.
His mother's drug abuse
led to constant money faction.

Her step dad's love of violence
led to her mother's fading breath.
His step mom's secret instinct
led to his sister's homicidal death.

Her family's betrayal led to the worse
of her selling herself out on the street.
His family's nondisciplined aura
led to where his needle and arm meet.

Her lack of friends and life of her own
led to crimson scars up and down her arm.
His lack of love and worth in the world
led to the enrollment of a gang driven by harm.

Her taunting years of bitter teen
led to eating disorders to fit the image.
His unemployment and cold-hearted family
led to a bed of concrete and meal of garbage.

Their lives marked with strife and struggle,
repeatedly under the impression of "abandon,"
Relight your faith and ignite your dreams,
Because they're all still with a smile, still standing.

-Heather M Craig