gratitude for shadows

 

Gratitude for the shadows: the people and days that strengthened my self-knowledge, my resolve, my courage, that helped me to grow, that allowed me to touch my limits and say 'no more'; a poem. ♡

ten of swords slips from my pocket
like a packet of moonflower seeds
and I don't even want to look back
but, still, I pause and bow to the ground
I just walked, the soil that's in the lines
of my feet and dusting my skin,
and I let that piece of earth hold me
for a moment as I whisper thank you,
and I'm not sure who I'm thanking,
but maybe them, or maybe the land,
or maybe myself, and when I once
again stand, my backbone is made
of wilder stuff.