I Am Free

I was always good at faking a smile.

I pretended I was strong.

I kept this up for quite a while,

But it just felt so wrong.

Because on the inside I was breaking.

I was a captive to regret and shame.

I felt the world beneath me shaking.

Could anything take away that pain?

 I turned to many answers,

Or so I thought they would restore me.

Instead they made everything worse.

I found myself trapped, but there's more to this story...

You see, I encountered hope,

Which gave me a reason to endure.

It whispered reassurance.

It left me wanting more.

I also found love.

It chased away the fear.

It was as gentle as a dove,

It wiped away every tear.

Next came along peace.

It stayed with me through the darkest night.

All the chaos had to cease,

As it gazed upon the light.

After peace, I was filled with joy.

It has put a smile on my face.

I will never be destroyed,

And I can finally walk in grace.

I have overcome.

I am free.

I'm proud of who I've become.

I'm proud to be me.