The Sacrificial Lamb

I began writing this poem a few months before attending the Saprea Retreat. I’d hit a block and had been stuck for weeks. Just days after returning from retreat, I completed the poem. 

Saprea changed my life. I’ll forever be grateful. 

The Sacrificial Lamb 

I once was a little lamb, 
Whose hair was dark as night; 
My parents forced the church on me and 
Told me “Do what’s right” 

Don’t fear my precious little lamb 
For God is love and light 
He knows your heart and hears your prayers 
He’ll always hold you tight 

With tear-stained cheeks, I bow my head 
And plead with all my might 
The monster under my bed is real 
Please help me win this fight 

The little lamb was sacrificed 
Her innocence no more 
“She’ll be ok,” her family said 
“She chose this life,” they swore 

As she grows, that little lamb 
Becomes the blackest sheep 
She’s a lost cause, they sigh in despair 
She’s dug that hole too deep 

No one would save her but herself 
As she cried herself to sleep 
She knew the battle up ahead 
Was long, and slow, and steep 

They say what doesn’t kill you 
Only makes you stronger 
I say my trauma doesn’t get 
To take that credit any longer 

With sheer determination 
To take back the life he stole 
She clawed and she climbed 
Until she emerged her true self. Whole. 

– Amber, Survivor