It's an uphill journey
A steep road to trudge
The surroundings unfamiliar
In fear's grip, I dare not budge
Yet as I squint before me
and look past my narrow path
I see a widened expanse
Of opportunity to unmap
Around me trees are barren
Yet the familiarity keeps me deceptively warm
But ahead, up on top, buds are forming
Waiting to burst into full form
And tentatively I step forward
Though my shackles fight to hold me back
You see, the metal is formed of habit
And that takes strength of iron to crack
The way winds around and widens
The air feels crisp, clearer and pure
There's something different-tangible and real
It offers freedoms appeal and lure
Though right this minute I feel lighter
My heart beat quickens with the incline
There'\s something raw, completely frightening
Letting go of the emptiness I've left behind
I struggle and pant, beg and pray
I feel alone-I need help to walk
This steep path I ventured out on
I turn to G-d and begin to talk
"Hashem," I cry, "I'm too bogged down
Familiarity grasps me in it's stead
Help me see, open my eyes
To the beauty that's promised just up ahead"
He lovingly heeds my heartfelt cry
And lifts me up so I can steal a peek
Of the splendor, vibrant colors, expanses of green
In reward for the fact that truth I seek
This gives me strength to carry on
With the knowledge that I'm not alone
With determination, I set out once more
One foot forward, on my own
The trees, they tower, larger than life
They offer fruits of labor delectably sweet
My path now boasts color and vibrancy
The pavement, soft as clouds, cushion my feet
It feels so blissful, I'm so thankful
My senses adjust to a new reality
Because they feel real happiness here
Once having let go of fateful familiarity
Don't be disillusioned, this treck is always uphill
I'm breaking a sweat, consciously avoiding road blocks
But be sure of one thing, I'm still walking
Eyes and heart on my pulse, with my goals climbing over those rocks
As my uphill path continues to expand and blossom
Feelings of ease replace the constant aching lack
There's a rainbow up ahead, birds flying over head
And a clarity in the knowledge that......there is NO LOOKING BACK!!