I struggle here

in the memory of all the dark places

where he stood and watched

In the closing corners of my eyes

the fear and doubt,

all so close and misguided,

all to fail in good standing.

I struggled there

to know danger was friendly

to think trust needed no earning.

I’m here now

safe in my own tending

free now from their reaching.

Now here, not in darkness.

A path toward safety