2: Thankful

Thankful for every waking breath
That was once so forcefully taken from me 
In the depths of his fury. 
The nightmare so distant 
Its memories surviving only in black and white. 
Outstretched palms tasting the air of tranquility 
As precious as a newborn's touch.
My delicate soul unbroken.
Feeling new to this world in ways unimaginable 
The green grass between my toes
Assuring me 
A permanent home in this beautiful place.
Though my reflection remained the same, 
The magnitude of the aura protecting me
Seemed to effortlessly take on a more powerful identity. 
Unfamiliar, 
Yet comforting in its profound ability 
To control every aspect
Of my very being.

My ambiance remained the same, 
Yet noticeably peculiar
To those who knew me well
While blissfully lost in the company of strangers
Who dared to admire my transformation
Their flesh only craving the unattainable.
I joined in their laughter.
Indulged in their drinks.
The pleasant sting of alcohol a painful reminder
Of how I arrived here.
I imagined that I was a goddess,
Void of any true emotion.
Simply sent here to please them.
Only pleasuring them in such a way
That left them starving 
And desperately searching for more.
On the pedestal of which obscured my true identity,
I glared down upon the kingdom 
That I had so selfishly created
Not yet realizing all that it entailed.
A goddess I was not,
Though the crown placed upon my head
The perfect decoy.
Suffocating on self-confidence
As if it had never before fell upon my lips.
Its hands wrapped tightly around my throat like a noose.
Starved I was no longer,
Yet could not break free
From the incessant craving for more-