Dear Reader:
We hope you take comfort in reading Dr. Frank Ochberg’s “Survivor Psalm” and “Memory Shouldn’t Be”, along with our reader Anne Matthew’s “Carrying What Changed Me.”
Dr. Ochberg is the Founder of Gift From Within. Thousands of trauma survivors have found his words comforting and supportive.
Survivor Psalm
– Dr. Frank Ochberg
What was the inspiration for the Survivor Psalm? The Survivor Psalm in the form of a bookmark has been distributed to thousands of trauma survivors. Frank wrote the psalm after working with victims of crime, and wanting a statement that would reflect a state of mind after therapy was completed. |
Survivor Psalm – Spanish
Survivor Psalm – Portuguese
Memory Shouldn’t Be
– Dr. Frank Ochberg
| Listen to Frank Ochberg read “Memory Shouldn’t Be…” Note: After clicking on the link, you will need to wait for a few minutes while part of the poem is “buffered” (sent) to your machine. Another option is to ‘right click’ on link, and save it to your computer…this may take a little longer. Regarding different audio formats (.mp3 vs. .wav): MP3 is a new format that is much smaller than the .wav format. It will download much quicker, but you need to have an MP3 player. If you are interested in obtaining one, I recommend downloading the free player at: www.musicmatch.com. Another option is www.winamp.com. The .wav file is larger, but should play on any computer that has sound enabled (make sure your speakers are on!) |
Carrying What Changed Me
Some wounds leave marks no eye can see
They settle in the breath and bone
They echo through the quiet hours
Long after we are on our own
There are changes I never asked for
And some have shown upon my frame
The weight I gained while living through
What had no mercy, fear, or name
But still this body sheltered me
When nothing else could hold the night
It bore the strain of silent storms
And kept me standing in the fight
Now healing comes in gentler steps
In softer thoughts and steady grace
In learning I am more than all
The trials time has made me face
And though I change, I still remain
A soul that fought its way to light
Carrying what shaped my life
But walking forward toward the bright
– Anne Matthew, Scranton, PA