Do you believe that our strengths, weaknesses, insecurities and attitudes are a direct result of the environment in which we were raised? Do you think there are guaranteed growth-cycle formulas to raise humans from toddlers to secure, self-confident adults? This book is a reflection of the past and present. Some of these poems are light-hearted and intended to bring a smile or laughter. Some of them are not. Hopefully, they will at least provide insight to those who have never experienced crippling abuse in any form, and let those who have experienced such abuse know that they are not alone, nor are they unique. Ultimately, only we can make the required changes that will bring inner peace and strength into our life. We cannot blame others for our failures, limitations, or short-comings in our character. At some point we all have to dig deep within our souls and our minds to determine who we really are, and the type of person we wish to shape ourselves to become in spite of our scars, haunting memories, and obstacles that fall into our path on the road to becoming free. To the abused: it is never too late to seek help and end the dark days in your life.