Do Not Pretend to Forget | CheyenneColeman.com

Trigger Warning: SA

Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. 1 in 6 women will experience a sexual trauma in their lifetime. Nearly 80% of teenagers who experience sexual abuse will develop a mental health disorder as a result. By sharing my story, in collaboration with two friends of mine and fellow survivors, I hope to begin a conversation which leads to a shift in societal attitude.

- Cheyenne Coleman

Do Not Forget

Your ability to burn.

Do Not Forget

the second floor, where the elevators are.

Do Not Forget

the leaves, and be thankful for them, in the snow.

Do not pretend to forget

your makeup bag.

You taught me

a thumb in a counterclockwise motion

above the belly button

settles the stomach and

if she's on my knees, you can watch out.

I still don't know why

I cried at goodnight.

Suppose, I guess, I couldn't bear the stomach pain

Often, it’s kind of hard to heal completely when your support system doesn’t really understand. I went through stages of anger where I needed to physically release. Now, I’m currently in a space where my life is not about my trauma.

- Danisha Bailey