I'm alive

I'm not a victim 
I'm not a statistic 
I am not the sacrifice
To something ritualistic  
But I can still remember the fear
And I can still taste the disgust
I can still hear the footsteps
And the hinges squeak from rust
I can still smell that smell 
I can still feel the confusion
I still bear the scars 
From the beatings and contusions
But I'll not let it beat me
And I'll not shut my mouth 
I am strong and I am alive 
And for that, I feel proud