Strength in Weakness

Some nights I have to wonder

How we handle it all

The loss and suffering

When we're drowning in agony

And some nights

I wonder how we get past it

When friends and family

Turn on us 

When they want someone to blame

Why are we the ones chosen?

How could they not see

That we are hurting just as much as they are?

When did it become

The child's fault for being too scared?

Or the woman's fault 

For reacting just a second too late?

Why?

Why did you turn your back on us?

Are we not as deserving 

Of the comfort you share with others?

But we understand

You're hurting

So you want us to hurt as much as you do

So we accept it

We put on a brave face

And let you hurt us 

With cruel and harsh words

Even when it becomes too painful

Even when it makes us cry

We'll take it all for you

Some nights I wonder

Why we are called weak

When we endure so much more

I am not weak

Nor am I pathetic

And I gain strength in knowing

That the others who have suffered

Are proudly standing beside me

Our hearts are tattered rags

Adorned upon our sleeves

And yet we hold together

Willing to share the burden

That causes them to spurn us so.