Solstice

I can walk between worlds of darkness and light,

because I have seen them both.

I have lived in shadows,

I have felt the sun on my face,

and then felt the cold return.

I know what it is to feel lost,

to believe you are found,

just to find that once again,

the trail has gone cold.

I know what it is to be rejected as you are,

punished for the pain you wear on your sleeve-

the heart you show another,

eaten in one careless bite.

I know what it is to learn to protect,

to fight back,

to lash out,

to rage against the machine.

I know what it is to have your body be taken,

not freely given.

I know what it is to be me,

but I don’t yet know you.

You’ve heard some of my story,

here,

on this page.

Now can you tell me yours?

So we can hold one another,

softly, gently, truly?

So we can know the roads we’ve both traveled down?

So we can wander,

together,

through the woods of the world,

and maybe,

just maybe,

we’ll find the way through.

Together,

we hold this darkness and light.

Together,

we are lantern and compass.

Together.