Cocoons

When you sit still for too long
becoming sheltered, safe, and warm
in a comfortably-padded place in life
the inevitable cocoon begins to form.

Without your permission or knowledge
subtle changes within take place
initiating a gradual growth
and soon you overfill your space.

The cocoon squeezes you into pain
you twist and turn, not wanting to cry
so the numb is welcome until you see
that it's the final stage before you die.

You grab onto those changes, knowing
that strength is found only there
and that is what you need for life
strength to break out, to gasp for air.

Then you emerge new and ready
to experience life along the way
to the next comfortable place to lay
where you will remember these words I say...
cocoons are built and broken
each and every day.