Going through old journals, I breathe a sigh of relief that what I experienced then is no longer.
I begged a Higher Power to help me leave an abusive and depressing relationship, but I never had the guts to end it.
One day the opportunity landed in my lap. This poem is a look at that time.
Freedom comes knocking when we least expect,
When we least want it!
It says, "You've been knocking,
Asking me to come.
I'm here! You're free!
You can come and go on your own."
I answer, "Freedom, you really heard?
You really took me seriously?
I didn't know you were listening.
Let me reconsider this big move."
Freedom looks down with a bit of disgust.
"You mean I've come all this way
To bring you the good news?
Your prayer is answered.
Freedom is yours!"
"But wait, I have someone else
Who needs to know.
Lots of someone elses!
I'm not ready for this."
"I'll get lonely. I'll be sad.
I'll wish dreams were never had.
I'm scared. I'm still a kid at heart.
Give me a year before I start."
Freedom shakes its head and commands:
"Come on, you can do it!
Claim that dream. It's here to grab
Close to your soul."
"The road ahead won't be smooth.
You will see hills, bends and ruts
Along the amusing way.
And beware: Some tears will flow."
So I pack my bags,
Close the doors behind.
I whisper a faint good bye
To traverse a road yet unknown.
Freedom steadies my gait
And leads me on.
I turn to look back, saying
Just once! "Maybe not now!"
The view from behind
Disappears in a fog.
Freedom grasps me tighter
Running toward Mystery beyond.
Today I recall that fateful night
When prayers were answered
And the prison gates unlocked.
Freedom is now mine,
An unpredictable friend
Who leads me daily
Into who I really am.
Freedom, thanks for taking my hand!