As we move towards the International Day of Happiness, I want everyone to take a few minutes and spare a thought for victims of abuse worldwide. Here’s to wishing happiness for every one of them somewhere down the line. Here’s to hoping.

I am quiet on the outside

But a volcano simmers on the inside

It’s lava spouting sparks of harassment never reacted to

The heat of humiliation never retaliated to

I am quiet on the outside

But a volcano simmers on the inside

Ashes of dreams long burnt by insensitivity

The smoke billowing my very personality into the air

I am quiet on the outside

But a volcano simmers on the inside

How much longer will I endure

How much more will I take

I am quiet on the outside

But a volcano simmers on the inside

For years my tears have dampened the heat inside

For years I have wondered why

I am quiet on the outside

But a volcano simmers on the inside

I am afraid now to speak up and stand for myself

What if the volcano erupts and consumes me in the aftermath?

A day will come I know, when it will all become too much

When I will shed the burnt clothes of the victim and rise above the ashes

Like a phoenix I will be reborn

And find myself again

That volcano inside me doesn’t belong there

The pain and suffering inside me doesn’t belong there

I need to stop asking “WHY?”

And start asking “HOW DARE YOU??”

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Illustrated By: Dr Anisha Kumar (Visit http://ignitingmypassion.wordpress.com)