Learning Your Name

You creeped inside my mind, in one instance and over time.

I felt you in my sleep, with each breath I couldn’t keep.

You hid inside my brain, and I wore a mussel of your shame. 

I thought I could drown you out in each pill but those were voids I couldn’t fill.

You were there when they woke me up, the day I learned your real name. 

Depression.

I grew with you through my childhood. 

You never strayed too far from my side.

I learned a new life with you because unlike you, I couldn’t hide.

You taught me that pain is torment but also just temporary.

I found you walking amongst others. Sometimes only after they had passed.

You inspired me to heal the helpless. The ones who don’t yet know your name.

I won’t stop until there is no such thing as a mussel of shame.

You will always be a part of me, but I won’t let you hide anymore.

I want to thank you for the heartache. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have changed.