★Flower:

I am another Flower

You cannot steal my earthly power

My inner light you cannot devour

I am not here to fill your hole

A sweet to become sour

Here I am to Shine

Like the glowing stars in outer space

A sense of equality in our race

Where we come together face to face

Life is a dance

And this is our chance

To find balance in this grace

Our eternal belonging lies inside

Here within the Soul’s great tide

A space where we can grow and feel alive

Where I can rest

And do not have to hide

The Sacred spirit that I am

For it is my right to feel whole

This is my land

Nobody’s to control

Take it not

It is my space

My heart, my skin

An internal embrace

It deserves respect

Not trespassing

Nor neglect

So free us of this history

And let us weave a new story...

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Rising Free is a deeply moving anthology of creative writing by seven survivors who have used our services. It is about survival, healing, finding your voice and calling for change. The contributions in Rising Free are intended to share strength and voice with other survivors. It honours the power of survivor stories in creating change, both individually and societally.

Copies of Rising Free, are available by donation from our centre or can be posted out for a donation, plus £3 postage and packaging. Please email info@ercc.scot if you would like a copy.