Spoken Word

What do you do when you're dead but still alive?

When you want to show strewn handprints down your chest

and through your thighs

So you lift your shirt

But there's nothing there to prove what he did or how it hurt

It's like invisible ink

Shine the light but be careful not to blink

Or you'll miss it

But I'll never miss it

Everything is reminiscent

It's like a picture with a flash

It blinds my eyes but the memory is still intact

But he says the memory isn't real

He says...

It wasn't me and I didn't do it

If she doesn't remember she'll never prove it

She'll just lose it

Her faith

Her dignity

Her self esteem

Her fire

The things that lit her up, made her laugh, and made her smile

Is this some sort of test?

Of my strength? Of my courage?

Cuz I'll never be brought down

And I'll never be discouraged

Let me take a moment to tell you how it is

You'll never break my spirit

My determination lives

And I'll take this as an opportunity

From whatever is up above

To prove to myself that I can still love

And I'll wear your hand prints as tattoos 

Not because I have something to prove

But because I have something to give...

Alive or dead?

I'll choose to live.