Golden Memory of the Winged Truth

A delicate yet powerful reflection on heritage, transformation, and resilience. The golden tribal butterfly becomes both a symbol and a witness—carrying echoes of ancestors, woven with strength & Gen.

I was taught to carry. Not just groceries, but guilt. Not just siblings, but silence. Responsibility wasn’t a job" it was instinct. They groomed me with love that kept tally. I learned to tend futures that weren’t mine.

I guided with grace--invisible maps etched on my palms for nieces who dreamed of glitter bags, for cousins who confused teasing with trauma. I swallowed jealousy like communion--not for myself, but for them.

You want to know what breaks a person? Not chaos. Not failure. But being the scaffold everyone climbs without asking if you can still stand.

Yes, I cry in silence. Yes, I pray without punctuation. Yes, I feel sadness--for those who weaponize kindness, and for me, when they do it with my name.

I now see that righteousness is no armor. That even the ones you save can sharpen knives.

So I anchor now not in martyrdom, but in marriage, in God, in the unlit places where healing waits. It’s my sanctuary. It’s me, my husband, and our whispered hallelujahs against the roar.

I’ve given enough. Now, I give to myself without shame. And that, too, is holy.

Author's Note

This poem is a tribute to identity and inner renewal. Minor grammar details may be overlooked in favor of emotional depth.

Reviews

[Davidgeo]

I'm pretty happy I got you to listen to that song now.

There is a book of poetry by a fellow named Thomas Merton called The Way of Chuang Tzu. It's much better than my musical recommendations. It's a book you will keep around after you read it.

Your writing has the "good" touch. Most writing has the bad touch (to include most of mine)

[Gregoria Ahmed]

"good touch"-I felt that deep in the quiet places where most poems begin. I am glad we shared music and poetry. I will seek out Thomas Merton's "The Way of Chuang Tzu"; it might be a recommendation that will echo warmly.

And as for your writing, don't underestimate its reach. Even this brief exchange shows me how grace hides humility and how inspiration often comes in someone else's gratitude.

[Ayesha Faiz]

This poem is powerful and heartfelt. It shows the quiet strength of someone who has carried others for so long without being seen. The words are honest and full of emotion, especially the part about being the support for everyone else. The ending is beautiful, choosing healing and self-love. It’s a strong and moving piece. I had a heart warming experience reading this... Good work.

[Gregoria Ahmed]

Thank you deeply for your kind and thoughtful reflection. Your words touched me in the same way you say mine did--quietly but powerfully. It’s humbling to know the poem resonated with the parts of you that understand unseen strength and the choice to finally turn inward with compassion. When a reader experiences something heartwarming in what I’ve written, it feels like we’ve met in a truth that matters. I’m truly grateful.

[Pallavi]

Yeah, these I find people considering kindness as a sign of weakness. And they take kind ones for granted.

The line "being the scaffold everyone climbs without asking if you can still stand" is so perfectly written.

Brilliant piece of work!

[Gregoria Ahmed]

I'm grateful for readers like you who understand the message behind my words. Thank you for appreciating the poem and for your thoughtful review.

[Pallavi]

Pleasure is mine!

[DIVYA]

Dear Gregoria,
What a deep truth stated in such a heartfelt way in this poem. When love is taken for granted, when bonds are used selfishly, then its time to sit back and do a reality check. Its okay to say a no to others and a yes to yourself, as you've so wisely done. Those who truly love you will stay anyway. Those who dont, well, they dont matter anyway. I've never really understood martyrdom and after reading you today, I'm happy to know, I'm okay.

I loved the poem title too.

[Gregoria Ahmed]

I'm deeply grateful for your review and the time you took to share your thoughts. Your interpretation of the poem resonates with me, and I appreciate your emphasis on self-love and setting boundaries. Your kind words about the title mean a lot too. Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback!

[DIVYA]

You're most welcome! Stay blessed and have a great time with your loved ones. 💖💐

[Gregoria Ahmed]

Likewise 🌼💛

[John the Baptist]

Family ties can strengthen, but they can also bind. Here we have a testimony to the latter. The speaker is one who was used from an early age by relatives for their own purposes. There was apparently much sacrifice, little reward. Thankfully, later in life she gained independence. One is left to wonder how many didn't.

[Gregoria Ahmed]

Thank you for seeing past the surface and naming the truth that many prefer to keep veiled.

There are so many who remained on scaffolds their entire lives, never learning to walk freely. I'm honored that my small testimony stirred reflection, and I carry your question--“how many didn’t” -- as both sorrow and prayer.