These poems were born in the quiet hours—between dishes and deadlines, between tears and tiny triumphs. They carry fragments of who I was, who I am, and who I'm still becoming. Writing this collection was not just about crafting verses. It was about confronting pain, honoring the healing process, and choosing—again and again—not to give up. Each piece was a step forward, even when it felt like standing still. If you've read this far, thank you. I hope these words met you in a place of understanding, or helped carry you toward one. Healing isn't always loud. Sometimes, it's a whisper: You're still here. You're still standing... Keep going. With love and resilience, L.C. Salter