Dark, tiny, confined,
Barely able to reach out in front of me.
I look up to see a pinpoint of light and have hope.
Looking for a way out, I push forward.
Wall.
I run my fingers along the floor and feel a rock.
I place my foot on it as the air starts to thicken.
I clench onto a jagged stone and pull myself up, praying it does not give way.
I breathe a sigh of relief for it is strong, and I take one more step up.
I feel around again, this time finding a crevice.
I hold my breath as I place my hand inside.
Exhaling, I take another step up, relieved the crevice was not otherwise occupied.
The weight of my body becoming heavier over the next few maneuvers,
I start to feel weak.
I want to give up,
Let go and fall back to the bottom.
I take another breath.
WAIT!
It’s different…
The air isn’t as thick.
I close my eyes for a moment, and when I open them –
I can start to make out the bricks on the wall…
My strength comes back, and I begin climbing faster.
Every so often, my foot slips.
I stop, discouraged and afraid.
I look up and see the pinpoint light has now become the size of a basketball.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
Slow down!
It’s not a race, I remind myself.
I open my eyes and continue on.
The darkness is fading away, and I can breathe easier.
Are those voices I hear?
Are they calling my name?
No.
Just silence.
Feeling alone again,
I want to give up.
I start to cry, ready to let go.
What’s the point?
There’s no end to this.
But then…
The light becomes blinding,
The air, pure.
Suddenly, I feel hands grabbing, pulling.
Frightened, I scream and start to fight back.
My eyes adjust to the new light, and I stop fighting.
I am wrapped safely in the arms of my family and friends,
My loved ones who helped save me from the darkness.
Jennifer Gibaldi
iamworthit
Jennifer Gibaldi is an upcoming poet and author. She has recently published her first collection of poems Perfectly Imperfect, available on Amazon.com, where she brings you along on her journey of obstacles that she has faced over the years and shares how she has coped with them. Jennifer is currently working on her second poetry collection, as well as a debut novel. She draws on her real-life experiences for inspiration, writing with pure heart and raw emotion. She looks forward to sharing her story with the world in hopes that she can comfort and inspire those who are in similar situations. Jennifer can be found performing at various open mics throughout Long Island New York. You can also follow Jennifer on Instagram @iamworthit82 and her Facebook author page I AM Worth It
SETTLING
God did not really want THIS for me- did he?
Little by little, I start to get my voice back.
My opinions, my thoughts, my strength, MYSELF.
Finally free,
I can live MY life again.
I can hold out for what I want,
What I know I deserve.
And if I don’t find it?
That’s fine.
I’d rather spend the rest of my life alone and happy than miserable because I settled.
Voice of Two Worlds
The scent of pine and autumn lay softly in the cool crisp air.
“Come with me”, his soft whisper mixes with the calls of nature like a love song only I can hear.
He has a calming sense about him, making me feel at peace in his presence.
I take a step forward and the air turns stale and frigid.
“No. Stay here, with me.”
His voice is deep and raspy, sending a shudder through my spine.
I turn and look to see cold darkness.
No longer is the scent of pine and autumn.
No longer is the love song.
No longer am I at peace.
‘He is right’, I start to think, taking a step back.
“Come with me”, the love song breaks through.
I look forward, to the calm openness.
I take a deep breath and a sigh of relief,
As I take his hand and step forward into the open field of hope and dreams.
First Timer
New here, first time participating and I can not wait!! Super excited to get started 🙂 Good luck to everyone!!