I am on a journey
I do not know where it may end
I know where it started
The journey has been hard, long and painful.
I start small and move outwards.
I have started to spread my wings and started to fly.
I wobble every now and again.
I retreat until I can carry on.
With words of encouragement, of support
I begin to spread my wings
To grow, to learn, to love and to find a safe space
In a world in a landscape overcrowded I start small

I have shouted at her
I have shoved past her
I have pushed past her
I have screamed at her
I have stolen from her in my youth
I have rarely expressed my gratitude for her
I have rarely said ‘I love you’ and ‘thank you’.
Now I want to say
Thank you for being there for me
When everyone else left or abandoned me
I will never forget the love of a woman
The love of a mother who never gave up on me.