Integration

My pain was like a house with many messy closets and boarded up windows.

It was almost impossible to look within.

When I finally gained access, I had to stay a while. 

I began to organize the pieces as best I could.

I visited each room and talked to the souls left there. Imprinted in time.

I shook the dust from the rugs, moved furniture around to sweep underneath.

Eventually I was able to pry the closets open, and I allowed the contents to tumble to the floor.

I went through each item piece by piece.

Allowing the memories to rise and release.

My pain was like a house with leaky faucets and holes in the floor.

An old deteriorating monolith to the person I used to be.

I am ready to tear it down now.

In its place I will plant a garden.

I will plant a tree for every person that has shown me kindness and I will grow a beautiful orchard.

I will plant flowers and medicines that will use the lessons of the past to strengthen their roots.

And the garden will grow with my devoted care and love and shall shower me back with beauty and all the other things that are so nurturing for my soul.