I am from conflict, from desperation and despair

From bedroom doors slamming closed as someone storms through

I am from arguments that are soon forgiven, but never forgotten

And from the bottle that used to keep her quiet

I am from tears that fall onto the carpet as words are thrown like knives

From “I’m sorry” and “I love you” and “It’ll be alright”

More importantly, though, I am from determination

From hard work and belief in a better tomorrow

I am from putting differences aside and becoming stronger with every sting

From the belief that love and tolerance can bear any storm

And from the scars and bruises that let me know I survived

I am from this hurricane that I refer to as my life

And without enduring the rain, I would not be rewarded with the rainbow