That woman on the Milk Carton by Sareena Sandhu

That Woman on the Milk Carton(March 2009)

By Sareena Sandhu

Why is it that

We can never really put ourselves

In another's shoes

Until we are really there


I am a survivor of domestic violence

I have the badge of honor and courage

I have changed my world

To change my stars

We decide that abuse is not right for us

We control what is done to our bodies and our minds

We have asked for the help

For our souls to grow

We ask for love, care, time, and the seeds of a new existence


I remember the woman who does not re-emerge

I remember the ones who die from physical and verbal abuse

I remember those if us who receive words and blows

By another

I remember and I light a candle


Our scars are on the inside as time moves on

We struggle to put ourselves back again

We are challenged with thoughts of new futures


The time is now

I am here to say

That I am that woman

I thought I'd never be

I am that survivor

I am that person

It can happen to anyone

Even the woman pouring the milk on her cereal

Every morning