Her words, like wild horses
tumble, gallop.
Those who witness the thunder of the run
feel the vibration in their chest
the wind in their hair
the sun on their backs
the freedom in their trodden-down souls.
After they are long gone
they replay the wild abandon, the never-ending sky.
                        

I consider the voice I heard outside of myself all those years ago—
Change yourself.
I have come to the conclusion it was my own voice
not that of an angel, not imagined, dreamt up.

Darkened by my own shame, others shaming me 
I went missing, left my body, so to speak
and there I was on the other side of the room, pleading with myself. 
So much had gone wrong
never standing my ground, allowing it all.

I’m learning to listen to my heart this time around
freedom found in considering what is right for me.
There is still restlessness under my skin
resentment, pain, sadness
but there is also longing, possibility, courage
all mingled and brewing.

I’m just waiting for the next greeting—
What took you so long?