(2008) The Beginning Poem by Deana Rode

I'm standing at the start of this path
that I've never travelled;
A path I was supposed to take when I was younger
but only now have managed to arrive at.

I'm trembling with fear
because I don't know what's ahead;
My glass cage, though confining
has long been my familiarity.

Will I make it to the end
and break out of this Eternal Winter,
or will I stumble off course
and fall back into the dark waters of misery?

Am I strong enough to let go of my past;
let go of the Demons' hands with whom I've danced with for so long,
or will I succumb to their manipulating voices
and allow darkness to stay in my bones?

Can I overcome myself and my pain
my raining skies and blackened memories
and free the light of my soul
who has been enslaved to my devils all this time?

With a deep breath and emotions churning
I take the first step and look ahead...
The woman I should have been is waiting for me,
I have to try and make it to her.

Will I succeed,
or will I fail?

The time has come
to find out.