Today

I draw the curtain back 
and allow the sunlight to 
fill the room and all its 
edges and corners with light 
– sweet blessed light – 
to  chase away the darkness
of the night.

I was afraid of the dark 
as a child I saw the shadows 
dance across the walls and 
I was filled with terror.

As a child I was powerless 
the world loomed large and I 
so small, too small to make a difference 
to be heard.

The curtain clears the cobwebs 
of my mind and I greet the day 
counting my blessings to be alive 
today is the only one that counts
Today I can make a difference and I do.

I can steer and guide that light 
– that inner light intermingled with dark – 
and shine a flashlight on all that was 
– and is – 
filled with fear and unknowing.

I can manipulate and warp the light 
like a prism broken into all its colorful
rays of light.
Today I make finger puppets with the shadow
We play and walk, 
morphing our shadows into one.

Fear still grips at me sometimes 
even in full daylight
Shocks and anxieties aglow
I breathe
And as I do, I steady my heart.

The tick tock of a clock 
mimics my heartbeat and I 
find that connection once more
to be grateful to be alive.

Today, this moment
I cherish the lessons 
even those not faint of heart
that grew and morphed and shaped me 
into me
And I smile and greet the day.