What Doesn't Kill You

what doesnt kill you does not make you stronger
it breaks you, shrivels you down
into a shell of your former self
alive but dead inside.
it crushes whatever is good and twists it
into a fraction of what once was
until you submit
and admit that it is all for nothing.

what doesnt kill you, destroys you
you no longer see as you once have
all hope and expectation and faith
flicker and die until there is nothing
except cynicism and despair.
darkness overcomes
and you surrender to worthlessness
and admit that this is it.

what doesnt kill you, mutilates
you are no stronger or better than before
you merely possess a sense of anger
or contempt or that all is unjust
and you do not deserve
the life you have been forced to take.
it doesnt kill you;
but life departs, all the same.