There Was Once

Think.
There was once a time--
not too long ago
that there existed a constant threat
that trailed behind
like a shadow in the heat of the afternoon.

Leaving a feeling of emptiness--
Alone among
a group of insiders.
Afraid to look up
and meet the cold stare of the
surroundings.

Unstable. Shaken.
Stressed. Afraid.
Alone. Cold. Oppressed.
Pressured. Unloved. Unappreciated.
Forgotten.

And what fortune!
What a blessing
to have made it out alive.
If only just barely.

How dark were those days
wandering the halls of
the shadowy corners that have since
been lit.
I have hemmed up my own skirt.
Sown up my own lip.

In fact,
there is HEALING.
In fact,
there is REDEMPTION.
Healed not by one, human self.
But healed by the one and only
Mercy

A stark illumination of a chance.
An opportunity.
A shot at maybe,
just maybe,
being happy.

Truly
and Really
Happy.
Happy being the way I am now.
Happy being the way I can be.
Happy being the most I can be.

-Girl who couldn't be more honest if she tried. Welcome to the 100%.

And Here's to 2012!
The year of getting comfortable with the 100% that I have been dealt.
Unbelievable. Incredible.
But possible and
present.