Survival Increases Strength

I looked into the soul searing eyes of terror
and felt the caress of evil,
my inner child still trembles
at the memory of events,
which built muscles on my soul.

I found his picture,
in a box containing family photos,
and saw in his image
the prince of darkness himself;
as I stared at his face
I realized his true intent
was to kill my spirit,
separate me from humanity,
and consign my soul to iniquity’s hottest fires.

He did not kill my spirit,
though his touch left scars upon my soul;
my wings still grow,
unfurl,
and carry me above the fear
that would sear
the flight feathers
of even the black winged Azreal.

No test I face today,
no difficulty as severe,
as his misuse;
what should have destroyed my spirit
made it stronger.