It takes so long
To recover and heal
From a physical attack
It’s so hard to deal

The physical pain
Will eventually go
But life is never the same
Yet not many will know

Fear will always linger
Deep within my heart
A simple tap upon the shoulder
Might cause me to start

Try as I might
Memories often creep in
I will never truly escape
The lingering terror within

Forgetting is not an option
Try as hard as I might
Memories and sheer terror
Left over from that night

As my life moves onward
I have learned to heal
Even if occasionally
The fear still seems real

Continuing to move forward
Is the only way to go
Always standing strong
The only way I know

To combat my fears
And heal the pain
For I refuse to be
A victim ever again!