He grasps my hand

and talks of dreams,

setting my own free…

a chance to write

a chance to soar

a chance to be the girl I was before

these crushing blows

and my heart cringed,

retreating from those towering heights,

that burst of hope threatening

to set me ablaze,

shying away from the dizzying rush

of a wingless dream

spiraling into the cliffs.

– ljh 1995