Shackled, alone, afraid, confused

The child inside, dark in mood

Life of conformity, not taught how to survive

Stifled, repressed, barely alive

Lost and depressed he wearily walks

Emotions confused, unable to talk

But still he believes that light IS out there

But demons inside tell him he should not care

He’s fearful, uncertain, why should he explore?

To be knocked back down?  Like so often before?

Years roll on and darkness remains

Happy at times, but happiness wanes

Empty, hollow, a life not lived

Eager to please, still eager to give

But used, forgotten, turmoiled soul

That’s black in colour. Could it ever be whole?

Then clouds start to clear, what’s this he feels?

Enveloping light, its glow surreal

Still confused, still afraid, but now a warmth deep inside

He grows taller, believes, not wanting to hide

From the comfort, the strength, his yearning so strong

Now released, unshackled, having waited so long

“I can feel who I am, I can be who I am”

For life now awakened. The strength of a man,

Whose light, and soul, and life he’s now got

Replaces the darkness, decay and the rot,

Of uncertain and confused lonely thoughts and of tears

And control, and of doubt, and of so many fears

Light shining, and burning, and guiding the way

New life he will live, the new strength for to say

“I’m weak, I’m afraid, I will lose my way”, but

“I’m strong, I am brave, I will not hide away”

“I’ll be me, I’ll continue to grow and survive”

For his essence, his light, his heart will thrive

By exploring, and learning, and touching much more

Than his demons, his fears, allowed him before

Now on, and on, and on he must go

His light, his new purpose to all he must show

To seek out those souls he has power to heal

To listen, enlighten, empower, and feel

Their pain and their sadness, confusion and strife

For they too have suffered so much in their life