The Child Soldiers (Unabridged)

Wherever you're from, from whatever background or class, no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. The trauma and abuse I was brought up with from a young child has made me the person that I am today. It is like a branding iron put onto a developing mind. The scars you cannot see but dictate my every moment, others of you out there will know exactly what I mean. I hold no shame for what was done to me as a child. It has certainly given me more tolerance for other's situations because of it. It has certainly made me more understanding. For all my adult life, I have suffered from mental health issues as a result. This itself has made me more empathetic with others. All these poems come from deep within. Some written from very dark places, others from hope and forgiveness, I've written many poems when I've had no one to talk to. Writing has always been there for me – it has always been my friend. Forgive those that hurt you for it will only harm you.

Love and good luck

Braveheart.