thank god for patches of sunshine 
and silver linings that push past the storms
thank god for the people around me
who make me feel safe 
thank god for second chances
thank god thank god thank god for second chances
thank god for the clarity to understand myself 
and my life
and for the chance to steer my life in the direction of my choice
thank god i’ve grown 
and have the courage to speak and be honest
thank god that safe is normal
thank god i found the wounds
and the source of the wounds 
and i have the chance to heal 
thank god love is greater than fear
and thank god i believe the reassurance that it will be ok

--Sravani Hotha 10/2/23