Rise

Stripped to my skin exposing all that I am

Imperfections on display as I bare everything, not giving a damn

Confident and proud of who I’ve become

A spirit set free and gifted the capacity to fully blossom

Finally able to grow after wasting too much time feeling numb

Because I allowed my convictions to loiter under another’s thumb

Day after day I pray for you

Hoping my words reach you and ring true

Waiting for you to join me, be moved by messages I’ve shared

Now that there’s someone in your corner who promises to always be there

Waiting for you to awaken to the importance of residing in a healthier atmosphere

Making decisions to leave behind hurt, to travel towards a life more sincere

Intensely seeking satisfaction, a priceless lifestyle to behold

When you remove all that blankets the frame that houses your complicated soul

Aware that growth comes with a little light, but also after tears have been shed

Strength conceived post-victory from slaying demons, evicting them from your head

And while you’re entitled to hold on to memories

Make note there’s a freedom that comes from releasing their heaviness

When you distance yourself from that which no longer serves you well

Space is made for storing hopes and dreams – wonders that increase your health

Do more than obsessively recall the pain that once thrived within and begin to heal

Grab hold of rhythms, laughter, and love because those sentiments, my dear, are real

And if the only hand you ever hold for the rest of your days is mine

Continue to live naked, so I can witness your growth over time

Thrive! Be carefree and intentionally happy because our future isn’t foretold

Make plans to fall in love every dawn, treasuring what you get to behold