Barred Owl

consumed by shadows
I believed my reason for living
came from others
 
unable to see myself as
other than broken
I had no purpose
 
for years I lived in the dark
silently suffering from
my inability to see beyond pain
 
forgiveness for myself and others
was distant
secrets overwhelmed me
closed me off from truly living
happiness was unseen
 
barred owl, keeper of wisdom
speaks to me as I walk through the trees
imbues me with clear thoughts
teaches me to look beyond distress
accept night vision to see
what can be
allow understanding to come
 
light follows night
 
Linda Fuchs