Within Reach

Each hurt

each pain

each bitter pill I had to swallow

became a piece of armour

until one day I realized

I was covered

head to toe

silver armour

diamond studded to ensure

that no one can get through

no one can shear past this woven protection

and within

my heart

my soul

my being are kept hidden.

I feel the sun upon my face

arms akimbo

soaking in the natural beauty

feeling it upon my soul.

Unfurling

reaching for the warmth

tears begin to pool

slow to seep

fall over slender cheek

eyes closed

head back

deep breath

taking in cleansing air

exhaling a black cloud of emotion.

Rage.

Fear.

Disgust.

Shame.

Ego.

All the things that would hold me back.

I embrace this time of change.

I embrace this time of looking back

accepting what was.

I embrace this time of now

learning anew who I am.

I embrace this time of looking forward

to seeing my dreams and reaching for them.

©July 16/22

Love’s Acceptance

Held
Within the warmth of your arms
Tears falling
Trembling
Blood words fall from my lips
As I recite to you
My dirty past.
No one has ever comforted
No one has ever just listened
Holding me close
Thump of your heart
A lull-a-bye
Soothing
Washing over me
Calming that little girl
Cowering within.
I have seen the shift
eager acceptance
To mild uncertainty
To disgust
As though I were the one
To have called down abuse
A sin 
For which I alone must atone.
Not you.
You cradled me.
You kissed away my tears.
Within you
A protector I have found
A shelter in this violent world. 

©Oct. 5/21
Picture is my Own