Who Am I Poem by Karen Degnan-foiles

I lost the person that I once knew
She took a different path to pursue
A path that I had to go through
And paid my past life adieu

I used to like my crafts
To see what I can create
Now I only do for others
So 'they' can appreciate

I used to be outgoing
I liked to make new friends
Now I'm timid and boring
Now I sit back and blend

I used to love to sing
It was my favorite thing
It made me feel that I could heal
The pain that I felt inside

Now it's not a treasure
That I can take pleasure
It reminds me of who I was
And who I do not want to be

I'm told I must heal myself
When all my life I felt pain
I tried so hard to keep it shelved
Protecting myself from blame

I was always very sensitive
To harsh words or a loud yell
They cut so very deep within
Bid my self-esteem farewell

Now I try to see
Just where it all comes from
Not take it so personally
They had also succumb

Who am I, this person I've become
The old me has disappeared
As the new has persevered
I'm someone who's no longer numb