The past cannot stay buried,

it breathes beneath the surface,

waiting for the crack in your calm and then 

to rise like mist from forgotten waters.

 

We all carry shadow weight

that coalesce in the fog of time,

appearing without warning,

gnawing at the quiet edges

of our dreaming minds.

 

So, call them forward.

Speak their names.

Let the uncomfortable truth

stand in the light with you.

 

Descend into the depth of your own soul.

into the darkness you fear

and walk through it with open eyes.

 

Only then will you find peace 

settling like soft snowflakes 

In a winter’s scene 

 

Only then will you be free

stepping from life’s ruins, unbroken 

 

Cry if you must.

Wail. Curse. Break open.

Exorcise what claws at you

and rest, finally rest,

in the space you have reclaimed.