Who Am I?

Who am I beyond the trauma?
My ego would have me believe
that my identity is wrapped up in it,
that the trauma is my identity.

Who am I beyond the trauma?
My ego would have me believe
that I am all the flaws and shortcomings
that stem from it.

Who am I beyond the trauma?
It has obscured my true identity.
I find it hard to see
what lies beyond the mask.

My ego would have me believe
that I am the person who can't cope
with day-to-day mishaps.
My ego would have me believe
that I am the person who can't sleep,
who can't trust anyone
(including herself),
and who can't remember anything.

So who am I beyond the trauma?
What if I'm the person who
befriends other outcasts
and helps them feel a sense of belonging?

Who am I beyond the trauma?
What if I'm the person who
can be someone's ever steady rock
in a crisis?

Who am I beyond the trauma?
What if I'm the person who
can see the pain of others
hidden behind their smiles?