I am no stranger to pain -

I have visited the valley of despair

And cried an ocean of tears,

While leaving pieces of my heart

In the desert to be scattered by the harsh winds of time.

I am no stranger to death –

I have seen deaths solemn face

And watched it take life

Away from my trembling fingertips,

While I searched for answers to unknown things.

I am no stranger to happiness –

I have laughed and felt my soul fly,

As I shared the smiles that came my way-

Enjoying every precious minute

With unbridled enthusiasm.

I am no stranger to love –

I have held and been held,

While my heart overflowed

And could not contain the emotion

So freely received and given.

I am no stranger to life – 

I have lived every moment

Breathing in every experience

That left me breathless,

But eager for what lay ahead.

I am no stranger to myself –

I have made peace with my demons and flaws,

While wearing my emotions on my sleeve,

And did not try to hide the cracks and scars

That are a part of who I am.