From The Ashes

I am but a bird
I cannot glide
Trapped in a cage
Nowhere to hide

I messed up;
Secured my fate
Too many times.
Now it's too late.

Told these bars would help.
It was for the best.
But I can't give in,
Let my doubt rest.

Consumed fully by fear, I said,
 “Let me go, Karma. I hate it here!"
She’d heed my request when I learn inner peace,
But for now the cage was reality.

I looked towards the sky; no glimmer of hope.
Guarded by mountains; too hard to cope.
Out of my reach but I still yearn.
They caught my eye wherever I turned.

Some days those mountains reflected my cage,
But sometimes their beauty could dampen my rage.
Imprisoned or soothed, I itched the same way.
I was drawn to those mountains, day after day.

I tried to break free,
But I was too weak.
Karma just laughed,
"It’s not in your reach."

She held me back in a mental chain 
Repeating the mantra, "You’re still afraid."

I can't! I won't!
I could only dream.
I am too weak.
It’s just not to be.

A lightbulb went on dissolving my jail.
What I didn't try I was doomed to fail.
I could conquer that mountain with two simple words,
"I can! I can!
I am a bird.”

I flapped my wings to prepare everyday.
Two months went by as I gained my strength.
Until, "I did it Karma! I am finally strong!"

Then Karma dived down from the heavens above,
Her soft black eyes filled with love.
"You've come so far 
You've become so strong.
But it’s not over yet, 
Your journey's long.

"You can do so much, 
Much more than you know.
So I’ll let you get where you need to go.”

It was up to me break out.
I'd climb my mountain.
I’d scout a route.

And away I went
On my fantastic flight,
Twisting and swaying
With all my might.

I zoomed up my mountain.
So fast did I fly. 
So fast that I left
All my fears behind.

I’d never have guessed 
I’d become so strong
When I used to be weak
And did everything wrong.

At last , I reached my mountain’s peak.
"I made it," I breath,
“I'm no longer weak!”

I closed the distance
And it felt so sweet.
The freedom I longed for
Lay under my feet.

I drank in the air that blew by my beak.
How far I'd come.
Look what I’ve reached.

A small laugh of joy
Flew past my smile.
"I am strong,"
I thought all the while.

The future holds good
Yet hardship will come.
But I’ll always be brave,
Now that I am strong.