Corridors of springtime.

Corridors of springtime
Bloom on the outskirts
Of my previously charred
Map—

Tap, tap.
Two steps forward,
And I refuse to dance
In reverse any longer.

The stronger remains
Of my fingertips
Scurry from the darkness
As I retrace my shaky
Steps from the usual
Haunts of shadows
Into the hallways leading
Toward sunlight.

How bright.

I had forgotten what it was like
To hold my head high
With courage in the daylight
And warmth in my veins.

Laughter multiplies
In my chest.
Stains of yesterday
Have passed away.

Behold, all things are new.
Joy bursts like a balloon—
A bright blue balloon—
Carrying me to the clouds
Of effervescent color.

Wonder.

The corridors of springtime
Have not led me astray.

Here, I intend to stay.

1.1.19