I was like a day that was refused a dawn

I was born in Liverpool in 1968, and was unfortunately abandoned by my mother. I spent the first 18 years of my life in and out of children’s homes and foster care. I always felt alone, without anyone who I truly trusted, or who I could talk to. That is how I originally got into writing poetry. It was the only way that I could release my emotions and thoughts, even though I never shared my poems to anyone at the time. Now, I enjoy sharing my poetry with people. I hope that my poems will inspire, guide, and support all those that read them.

I AM ME

I was abandoned by my mother at two hours old,

Fighting for my life for the first two years.

Going through Hell, whilst being brought up in care,

Falling asleep, most nights, in tears.

Most days, at school, I was ridiculed and bullied,

Rarely getting praised for good work I’d done.

Playing truant, for me, was my only escape,

Because being alone, was almost fun.

Even when I was placed with foster parents,

I felt like I was always second best.

I never felt like I was part of the family,

More like a social experiment, or test.

It seemed, to me, for my first eighteen years,

There was nowhere for me to belong.

I was like a day that was refused a dawn,

I was just like a non lyrical song.

Then one day I had an epiphany,

Everything became suddenly clear.

A realization that broke through my darkness,

For the first time in so many years.

I was a victim of circumstance, not a victim.

My whole mindset had been so wrong.

I am a survivor, I am a fighter,

I am emotionally and mentally strong.

I have done many things that I am not proud of.

I haven’t yet become all I can be.

But I can look in the mirror with my head held high,

And be proud to say “I am me”.

By David A. Stansfield

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