Rebirth

It burned. It burned from the unforgiving rays of a million suns, searing, blistering, aching.

Trapped – it felt unbreakable, unrelenting.

Trapped.

But through that torturous pain, through that seemingly undying suffering, a light shone. And a rebirth ensued.

First, slowly. Pockets of happiness, joy, freedom, elation. Tears that dropped and flooded the darkened and destructive cavities. Screams that soothed and healed the deepened craters.

Then, suddenly, a deep breath, a new beginning, and with it pushing out (hopefully) all traces of misery, misfortune, distress, affliction, and torment no one should have to bear.

Breaking free. From my former self.

What was once a half-baked smile turned to a wide grin. What was once a forced chuckle turned into a laughing workout. What was once a pit of anxiety and stress and anguish, instead turned to emptiness, ready and willing to be filled with something more fulfilling.

Inward, felicity, not to be toyed with, for its assertive cheeriness would dispel hatred, regret, terror.

Inward, exuberance, poised to defend against negativity, agony, strain, and struggle.

Inward, blessedness, ready to forgive the past’s mistakes and cease its advances.

Inward, the new me. Inward, the true me.

Inward, just me.