Walking through the door was terrifying

Remembering why I was there began to eat me alive

Having heard a judge tell me I was wrong

Remorse at me up inside

There had been cuffs on my wrists

Video cameras watching my every move

A short stay on a metal bed

My heart was shattered

Speaking into an intercom telling them you’re there

Sliding paper under the window

Feeling horrible just wasn’t enough

Sickness sets in when you know you’re nothing

Hearing kind words

An encouraging person

Someone I can enjoy talking to

It’s not as bad as it was before

Feelings have changed and I’m happier today

No longer suffering the consequences

My spirit has been lifted

Im not as stupid as I had once thought

She helped me find purpose in my life

I’ve came to like sitting in the office

Darkness surrounds me

She brought some light

I’ve found inner strength once again

Still finding it hard to carry on

I’ve been able to leave part of the load

Praying more than I did before

Believing more in God that there’s hope

Losing those appointment days

A wonderful person came into my life

Someone I’ll miss very much

She has an irreplaceable place in my heart

Some clients would sit in anger

I quite enjoy it because I was blessed

Hearing that someone truly cares

Her words will echo in my heart forever

Written by Sonia, age 24, Canada