“To Heal is To Ache”: a Poem

I pick myself up

off the floor

after each wave.

My body is

unsteady and 

tired, I’m

shivering. 

My smile hides

what I feel,

and how 

I dance with

my friends would

make it hard 

to see that 

I am hollow,

I feel empty. 

I hold myself

because nobody else

can and I embrace

my aching body.

I say,

“you will be okay”

“you will make it again”

“you can protect yourself”

because I know 

I must be my own

savior, and I 

must be gentle 

with myself, and I 

must give myself

sweet grace. 

I am learning, 

I am trying 

my best and 

that is enough. 

I am taking my time.

I am trying

to love myself. 

I am promising

myself that I

will be kinder

to my body and mind.

I will wrap myself

in soft words

and with 

tender arms.

• healing process
• mental health
• poetry
• self-love
• therapy