When The Soul Remembers Light

After loss,
after goodbyes
I never wanted to say,
the chains around my soul
begin to fall –
one link at a time.

I step away from those
who called me family,
who said they loved me,
but made me feel small.
Their love was only words –
another kind of cage.

The chains fall quietly,
taking with them old grief,
shame that was never mine,
and fear that no longer knows my name.

In the silence,
I begin to rise –
not as I was,
but lighter,
freer,
more myself.

I have lost.
I have let go.
I am still healing,
but I am no longer bound.

At last,
I am becoming.