Weeping child embraced,
Within a wounded heart.
Years of being taught my place
Prepared me for the part

My soul screams for patience,
My heart a moment's pause
Constant demons all within,
Protection that never was.

Now an adult, too old to hurt,
Gentle sorrows held within,
The old despair of where I was
and just how far I've been.

Growing out beyond the pain,
Nurturing a woman's pride,
Tiny blooms to hide the thorns,
and soothe the ache inside.

Dearest friend, he shares my smile,
For tomorrow, and not the past,
Tentative steps of blissful joy
Companion upon my path.

Little does this sweet man know,
Just how far that I've come,
Reservations held for years
Bonds simply let undone.

~03/15/03