11 April 2023
Droplets form, they build, they grow.
Down they fall, starting slow.
Raindrops plummet, falling fast.
It’s starting to look overcast.
Streams trickle, waters rise.
The dry riverbed’s demise.
Rivers flow, the current picks up.
Up and up and up and up.
Faster, faster, here it comes.
Build a dam before it runs.
Gushing, splashing, the pond it fills.
Stop it before it over-spills.
Dig some holes, make more room.
The lake, it forms, the thunder booms.
The current crashes, the waves they swell.
When will this end? No time to dwell.
Push and pull, that ocean tide.
More and more, will this subside?
The ground, it rumbles, the water recedes.
Pulling away the trees and the reeds.
Taller and darker, the tsunami grows high.
Building up, is it touching the sky?
There’s no escape, nowhere to turn.
That bright ol’ sun, it’s stopped its burn.
A teardrop falls, it hits the floor.
Another one forms, followed by more.
Down my cheeks, my chin, my neck.
Sodden chest. Oh damn! Oh heck!
Out and out and out it pours.
Who knows what could be the cause.
Down it comes, with force and might.
What’s the point in trying to fight?
Tread the water, tread it quickly.
Kick and scream, skin turns prickly.
Out of the darkness, a light appears.
Rising up, it brings old fears.
Bubbling up from the waters below.
Paddle quicker, no time to slow.
I turn to see the waters murk.
My heart begins to go berserk.
Fight or flight, what shall I do?
Or do I drown? What’s my cue?
Out of the silt a bloom appears.
What the heck. Why’s this here?
I paddle closer to see what’s what.
A lily pad? With a flower on top?
Hearing noises from left and right.
I turn to see a glorious sight!
Cautiously approaching, four strange shaped boats.
Desperately trying to keep afloat.
I’m not alone, now I see.
They’re struggling too, its not just me.
Closer, closer, closer they come.
They’re also searching for the sun.
Surrounding the flower, we watch it bloom.
It pulls near, is this too soon?
No, it’s not. The time is right.
We have to battle this terrible plight.
The flower, it whispers “Are you okay?
I can help you out today.”
We gather in its warm embrace.
This definitely feels like the right place.
“It won’t be easy, I’ll hold your hands.
But the pain will ease like trickling sands.”
We listen closely, we laugh, we cry.
Today is not the day we die.
We’re survivors, strong and true.
And now we know just what to do.
Working together, we pull the plug.
Next thing we know, we hear a glug.
The waters lower, sun starts to rise.
“You’re doing so well!” The flower cries.
“Keep on going, you can do it!
Before you know, you’ll get through it!”
“Pull more plugs, support each other.
I’ll hold your hands. Your floral mother.”
“No matter what, I’ll be here.
A lotus flower to fight your fears.”
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"I am now in control of my thoughts and my life. I have gained self-confidence in so many ways and I am no longer haunted by the past."
"I have been given the tools to cope with everyday life. Without counselling I would have continued to deny my situation and feelings which was having extreme detrimental effect on myself, family and friends… RASAC has saved me from self destruction without the support I would have crumbled – a true life saver."
"My RASAC counselling has completely changed my life… I am a better mother, a more involved member of the community and I am able to keep myself safe."
"I was counselled for almost a year. I had a wonderful counsellor who helped me through a very difficult and unpleasant time in my life. It has been a process of healing by revisiting past places which at one time felt unimaginable. The journey has been raw and unnerving but slowly I came to see how I was repairing my damaged self. I finally accepted ownership of what had happened to me and was able to let go of my guilt and shame. My counsellor understood my outlook on life and created a connection with me that was very special. I eventually looked forward to my session as a weekly debrief rather than a purge. I am as happy and confident as I have ever been and I tell people about what I have learnt to help turn their negativity into positivity. Fear can be a very powerful emotion and prevent us from moving on in our lives but once it is confronted the clouds separate and you can focus on that hint of sunshine."
"Thank-you for the support, for the first time since talking about the sexual abuse to someone it is really helping me."
"Thank you so much for all your time and support while I was working through all of the stuff that happened - I really couldn't have done it without your help and input." Male client - June 2021
"The support, understanding and guidance that I've received from START has been life-changing. The whole process has been crucial for me to understand some of the trauma I'd experienced during my childhood. Who I've become as a consequence, who I am today, and how I process some of my thoughts, feelings and emotions." - April 2023
"I cannot thank Sarah at START enough for the counselling I received. I was a bit sceptical of the EMDR therapy I was offered at first but it really has helped me a great deal and I'm grateful for having the opportunity to go through it." - April 2023
"I'd like to thank everyone involved at START. You're doing a phenomenal job. I can't stress how important this journey has been for me. It's been a life altering experience." - April 2023
"Thank you for the Lotus week end, my life is taking a turn for the better and my new journey begins now." - July 2023
