How I Found My Way Back Home
Evolve November Poetry Competition Winner!
A Journey to My Authentic Self Stepping out of my cave — Tugging at the curtain of dangling extremities. Struggling to move the branches out of my way. Grappling with each bough while it blocks my path.
Each branch is a reminder of how family secrets can intermingle. Each limb is another connection to the memories that haunt me. Every stalk standing tall, frightening me to silence… Commanding me to remember my loyalty to my family.
Shaking my head as my breathing becomes labored… Ignoring my anxiety as I tremble. Standing tall as I take my leap of faith, The belief that guided me to resist many obstacles in my path.
Barriers I have overcome with determination and perseverance. Toxic family secrets that terrified me… Whispered threats that attempted to force me back into submission. Barricades I defeated one step at a time. Each step pushed me forward into the sunlight… Further away from the obstacles — The ones I will no longer allow to control me.
Slowly shifting out of the darkness, Stretching upward into the warmth of the sun. Arms reaching high, The waterfall of emotions quaking around me. Buckets of anxiety drain from deep within me, Gushing more quickly with each word that I write.
Gazing skyward as the fragile tendrils of hope Begin to wrap around me. Stretching higher now as the billows of relief Swirl to the surface of my mind.
A thousand embraces surround me Within the pillows of the cosmos. Fear diminishes with the solace of my disclosure. Gently my soul detects layers of comfort… Holding me tightly, soothing me, protecting me.
I feel safe enough to scream the words. No more whispering in fear. No longer the victim!
I can write about my truth. I am a warrior! I am a survivor!
The words feel strange as I say them, shout them to my mirror! I have always believed I would find the road to myself. I kept my hope alive and I stayed true to my journey. I took the leap of faith and I chose the path less trodden. The true path I believed would bring me home again.
The final twig snaps announcing my freedom. I slowly move forward… A deep sigh of contentment escapes me as I realize I am exactly where I need to be — No reason to look back.
I have found the way to my authentic self. I have found my way home. I am safe. All is right with my world. I pick up my pen and begin again.