Self

By Jaelyn Decena

Sore

Fresh

Effusive

Fiery.

Empty tears

Erupt.

I couldn’t stand it.

I wept 

For your pain,

Wept for your triumphs.

I see you.

I lose sight of how 

           and when 

                   I am allowed

      to occupy space.

Devastated,

Enraged,

Unseen,

Disparaged.

Assault buries

Thee self.

Unending

Unapologetic

Power.

You mean something.

Visceral

Comfort

I am cogent

Ripening with affirmation

Wait and see how life unfolds

I am beginning to see 

Myself more clearly

Without

Indomitable

Doubt.

*This is a found poem using  words from Chanel Miller’s memoir “Know My Name.”*

Poet bio: Jaelyn Decena is a junior Literature and writing studies major who writes for Thought Catalog. She has been writing song lyrics since middle school and recently found a new joy in poetry. After being asked about the inspiration behind her poem,  Decena said, “Chanel Miller’s new book [“Know My Name”] was recommended on my Instagram page…her story of surviving sexual assault and how both the court system and society fail to recognize the seriousness of sexual assault resonates with one too many women.” Certain words in Miller’s emotional memoir stood out to Decena, which inspired her poem.