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Poet's Note: I wrote this specific poem for another special friend of mine when they were going through a hard time. But just like her, I understand the feeling... of regret. Tossing and turning through restless night after restless night, so exhausted, but you just can't get out of your head. I know how hard it is to wake up in the morning to the dread of facing another day. I know how sometimes it can feel like everything you've loved is lost. But the picture "Dear Fighter" paints captures how regret can be a powerful thing, on both sides. We just have to make the choice: to fight it... or fight with it.

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Dear Fighter,

You're full of hurt, full of pain,
Full of fear that you'll never move on;
Cause every battle that you've faced,
Leaves its own kind of scar.

And when you see it you're reminded,
Of how you'll never be the same;
But Fighter, let me show you,
How to see it in a different way.

Every mark left behind tells a story,
A story of the fight you gave;
And while it seems like they're 'cause you surrendered,
That's not the truth they're saying today.

Cause scars don't come when you give up,
They come from when you keep pressing on;
Refusing to break, refusing to bend,
Refusing to be moved at all.

And that's the determination I see now,
The fire burning on through your soul;
It's the dream of hope that you carry,
Cause you're ready to let go of the hurt.

Yes, I believe that you can make it,
You're fighting harder every day;
So Fighter, let's rewrite your story,
Right down to every price you've paid.

Don't let the scars tell you what's ahead now,
That's a future that tomorrow will bring;
Only focus on each step you take now,
Fighter, you're ready to spread your wings!

So don't fight the past,
Because that's all said and done;
It is a part of you,
The part in all that you are.

But it doesn't define you,
Because there's freedom to change;
Each step ahead,
Is now your choice to make.

And all the pain that you've felt,
Can be put behind you today;
Just a reminder of the memories,
That you've constantly replayed.

Yes, I know it hurts now,
And that may never change;
So focus on what really counts now,
Your choice to not let it throw your life away!

There's a bold, bright future,
Waiting out there for you;
But if you dwell on what you've lost,
You've only got more to lose!

The joy, the blessings,
The people by your side;
Remember that you can always,
Find another reason to smile.

And more tears will come ahead,
More sleepless nights of pain;
But I promise you that when you keep on fighting,
One thing will never change.

You'll always be a fighter,
And fighting's what fighters do;
They keep on going, keep on pushing,
Because that's the one thing they can do.

Mistakes will happen, pain will come,
But you don't have to lose;
It may feel like everything is falling apart,
But there's always an option to choose.

You can choose to keep on fighting,
To keep battling even when you're afraid;
Because if you never give up trying,
Things will just get better every day.

But if you choose to hide in fear now,
Fighter, you'll always be stuck this way;
So just keep looking ahead now,
And you'll find courage you could never explain.

For joy doesn't come in a moment,
It comes when you choose to find it;
When you look to the bright side,
Turning hurt into your power ignited.

So show them you're not like them now,
And they'll see you've got something they don't;
You've got that power of a life full of fight now,
A life you're never going to let go.

You are free, you are strong,
You are hope filled and pure;
And you've got so much to give,
If you just find the cure.

The cure to the hurt,
That you've stored up for so long inside;
But Fighter, don't you know?
That that cure's right behind your eyes!

Wipe the tears, lift your head,
And leave it all behind;
Because there's more battles ahead,
But now you're ready to fight.

Believe every word,
Believe it because it's true;
Fighter, this world needs,
More people like you!

If we all took a chance,
To just stand up and say;
That we're not giving up,
We could change every way.

Change the ways that the world,
Tries to lead us to loss;
Because each loss is a gain,
When you choose to respond!

You don't need what's behind,
You don't need what is gone;
All you need is the courage,
To never give up.

You just need to believe,
In yourself every day;
Believe that you're winning,
When you fight another day.

Yes, there's only one way,
To clear what you've gone through;
And Fighter, that starts,
Right inside me and you!

With a breath and a step,
You can become who you really are;
Muster the courage to battle,
Victory is no longer far.

And I know that the hurt,
Will never truly go away;
But Fighter, have you thought?
Of how it's helping you today.

There's a reason you're strong,
And it's because you've had to face;
Cloud after cloud,
And too many rainy days.

And I'm not saying to forget,
What has left you broken down;
But I'm calling you to turn it around,
And let it fuel yourself.

So when people ask you,
How you know you'll be alright;
You can look them in the eye,
And confidently reply.

And as you inspire them,
You will inspire you;
Cause Fighter-

There's so much more fight in you.

From, Rea

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