Mari-Lynne Infantino

Victims

Old enough to realize, but feel it anyway

The heart rises up; the mind holds sway

Thus it is, even after, I’m way past my prime

Those who trigger passions reach out through time.

I grew up fast, scorned heart always bleeding

Bad choices quickly made, happiness receding

The good, the bad, no time to reflect

Swept under the rug, with the bitter tears I wept.

On my knees, I crawled away, left alone to die

I remember the smiles, behind all the lies

Over and over, I hoped it would cease

It didn’t, so I ran away, needing release.

Victim mentality follows where you go

No matter what you learn, no matter what you know

It’s not always right, not always fair

Circumstances will remind you, are always out there.

And if I’m a victim, if I can’t turn it off

When confronted by those who would notice and scoff

Scornful words spoken, triggers renewed

Situations can still wound us, no matter how or who.

Childish behavior, from within and without

Emotions overwhelming, past reflections, there’s no doubt

No matter your age, no matter the years

Patterns in your mind unlock those past fears.

Try not to be the judge, as well as the jury

Because we’ve already noticed, much to our own fury

No matter how we face up to trials and pain

The past comes back to haunt us, again and again.

MLI 8-29-2024