There is a Fire

Optimism

After so many grey days

I feel its pull

“Be happy.” It says to me.

“Get up and write”

“Get up and run”

I feel the physicality 

That once came so naturally to me

Finally returning

Like wet coals coaxed back into flame

The warmth feels good

The energy fills my bones

Stirs me to move

To finish things unfinished

And bring this

Chapter of my life to a close

Oh, this chapter

Full of wet pages

Soaked to the brink of drowning

Still shivering cold

From the wind on wet clothes

But there is a fire

Deep down in the ashes

I found the only warm coal

And blew on it slowly

Till it glowed and it glowed

Part of me worries

My clothes are too damp

Clothes woven tight with my fear and desire

I’ve worn these clothes for a decade now

I would take them off

But the wind howls

And they’re my only comfort

Deep from my core

The coal whispers softly

“Find the courage to strip

And I’ll keep you warm.”

I peel off my wet shirt

Then one sock at a time

Pile kindling on the coal

Bursts of joy as it crackles

Deep in my core

There is a fire

Feeling warm, I believe

I’m about to start a new chapter