As a young girl, I believed life to be bitter, full of emptiness, and unfilled dreams. Bleak somber days claimed my soul, lively hope did not reside here, and passion did not ooze from within. Laughter was foreign, tears were too familiar, and I cowardly couldn’t face the mirror; for disappointment owned the face looking back. All due to the injustice that others bestowed upon my youth with tongues that spoke ill of my persona. My own skin was not an article of clothing to which I could remove shame. The agonizing pain of my scars taunted me in the middle of the night waking me with cold sweats and chills running through my back. Beauty within was not acknowledged nor respected, as a withered rose begging to be watered. Captive was my mid with poison and the evil spirit of misery lurked and I didn’t have the strength to make it resign! I felt defeated, loss of appetite for life, and no cure for this infected wound within me.

I picked my heavy heart, tears, and the invisible ax that stabbed my injured soul. I darted away to the only location I felt safe; surrounded by nature, sun rays kissing my cheeks, winds hugging my fall, and the lake that caught my endless tears. I fell to my knees nearly disorientated. I felt my soul drifting from my frail body as it slowly gave up on all hope. I cried to the skies surrendering myself. I lifted my arms up and screamed, “Take me! I no longer feel the need to live another day. I no longer have the strength to move forward. I give you myself and all my sorrows, for I feel dead inside and see no purpose for me here on earth.” My chapped lips spoke of horrid pains and my cries ceased for I had cried my very last tear. In that very moment I felt the sun extended its arms and held me with hot blazing love that never embraced me before. Not a family member, friend, or lover could give me this intense compassion like the sun did that very moment. To know that the sun stopped time to illuminate it’s rays on me burning off any residue of past wounds by touching my skin making it new. The more I felt its heat over my soul the more I felt it cleanse me replacing my anguish into victory and promises. In that moment I was reborn. I felt the sun release its grip and placed me in front of the lake. When I opened my eyes I saw my reflection in the lake, which welcomed me back. The lake said it had seen my journey of grief and that today rejoiced in my liberation.  It smiled and said “No one has ownership of your greatness; love cultivates within, and know you are royal in your own manner.” Without hesitation I jumped in to dance a dance of triumph. As enjoyed the final steps of my transformation, I heard nature speak to me once again; There is no need to be ashamed, cried the birds. There is no need to dwell on your past imperfections, cried the gardens. There is no need to have fear in your heart, cried the heavens for you are healed today. Swim free into new oceans of promises. Let your spirit soar to unseen territory. Allow love for yourself be greater than any human lie. Dive into clouds that hold your hearts desires.

            At last I broke the chains and smoky mirrors that kept me trapped in a cellar deep within my weakness. I gazed deep into the face of hidden treasure. I dance to celebrate a renewal of life, proclaim victory as I embrace it’s very sweet essence, and see my future accomplishments become something glorious.