Yet.........I'll Rise Again

And here I stand again ~
atop a precipice;
the climb was long and hard,
I expected freedom and exhilaration.
Below me now ~
I reflect upon the path I made,
through rocks and weeds and thorns,
to reach this shocking elevation.

Beyond ~ as far as I can see ~
are endless peaks and valleys,
without a bridge to take me
to the next unconquered crest;
Behind ~ the course is worn and clear ~
and I feel the torment
of the struggle up the palisades,
alive and pounding in my breast.

This mountain top seems barren ~
where are all the flower fields,
the butterflies and playing children ~
the long awaited celebration?
Instead, I see a cold
and hardened cliff,
with remnants of an icy waterfall
made colder by my own exasperation.

As I seek protected shelter
on this isolated pinnacle,
I cannot find content
to let my weary heart take rest;
Who am I now
without the cloak of innocence?
There are no answers in the cooling ashes
scattered on this crest.

I long to hasten back,
descend the path I've climbed,
and rest along the side
in soothing meadows I have passed;
But, no return to where I've been,
or way to close my eyes ~
for comfort ~ as I stand confused
atop this brief relapse.

I'll stay awhile ~ to gather energy
and wake the dormant rays of laughter
that still echo deep
within the canyons of my mind,
As I cast away
the haunting memories
and longings to repaint the simple images
of the past I've left behind.

When sunlight hits the ice
and blinds my darkness,
and rainbows dance in crystal prisms,
I'll find the strength to mend;
Then I'll rise again,
weightless and renewed,
not at all afraid to step beyond this cliff
and drop ~ to float upon the wind.