Onward and Upward

© July 14, 1998

But a month in which
I've accomplished a lot.
I broke most of his ties,
No longer do I let my soul rot.

I have fled from my home,
Gained physical freedom at least,
Now I need to piece together
My life away from that beast.

Still growing, still changing,
And learning to exercise my rights;
Living day to day more carefree
Away from constant stress and fights.

Have regained a connection
To my own hopes and dreams;
No longer am I bound tight
By my husband's schemes.

Lost and alone so long,
Now feeling found and strong,
I know it's a tough struggle,
But it won't take very long.

With him for nine years:
No vibrance, no light.
My life had become
As dark as midnight.

I've whimpered and I've cried,
But now once again I can hear
That little voice from deep inside
Who no longer constantly sheds a tear.

Ability, clarity, and wisdom
Form a strong sense of pride.
Strength and bounty returning
To now serve as my guide.

Confidence comes and goes
(Ebbing with my life's tide),
But no longer am I broken,
Nor feel the need to hide.

Reconnecting with old friends,
Remembering old dreams,
Planning a fresh new life,
Stitching together unravelling seams.

The patchwork quilt
Is small at the start,
But growing each day,
With each beat of my heart.

I move onward and upward
To a plateau that's all new,
As I stretch and reach
Out of the pit, expanding my view.