Breathing On My Own

I held you so tight and so hard and so close to me that I could not let go My arms would not come undone and your cloak of discontent half covered my body My ears could not hear and my eyes could not see you screaming at me to let go I did not know who I was anymore, only that if I held tighter maybe the sadness would subside You had to break my grip and pry my fingers off You had to stamp your feet and push me away Immediately I was as if drowning and gasping for air I did not even know if I remembered how to breathe in on my own Yet I stood up and I took that first breath I breathed in the fresh uncontaminated air of freedom I savored the rush of wind into my lungs and the sweet exhale of my own breath I threw up my arms towards the sky and unclenched my hands I stared up at the clouds soaring light and free My first taste of new freedom was the best gift you ever gave me I shouted up into the vast blue sky I am free! I am me! I have possibilities! Written - March 1, 2021 -10 PM