Wounded Not Broken

You are not broken
You are wounded

Broken things have damage
That can only be repaired
They are forever left weakened
And will always be at risk
Of the repair failing one day

Wounded things can heal
If you tend them gently and well
Wounds knit and the scar tissue makes them stronger
Wounds stretch and though they may ache from time to time
They will strengthen
Though forever altered
Healing makes the wound whole again

So you, too, will stretch and strengthen
You will grow stronger
The wound cannot be unmade
And its scar will be a landmark upon you
Reminding you that you survived
And you became stronger for it

Be gentle with your self judgment
You are wounded
Not at all broken
And you can and will heal
With patience, time, and tender care

-gws