I stayed out of the way
and kept silent,
for others -
until I stepped away,
at first, just a short distance,
then, farther.

I was out of the way,
but this time was different -
I was on an adventure
on my own terms.

I was expanding my horizons,
rather than shrinking myself 
to be containable 
within others’ demands.

​Goodness is goodness,
it's always been there,
no matter the muse,
the who, what, or where.

Memories, moments,
words, hobbies, places,
you choose what moves forth
into new spaces.

When you are ready,
bring the good along,
to live, write, and sing
a hopeful new song.

She wants to stand outside, look up, and know:
the building in front of her won't vanish.
She wants to know:
the building is safe inside,
that we've searched, really ​​thoroughly,
and there are no monsters we can't fight.

She can fight.
Damn, can she fight.
But this time, she won't be alone 
in any fights that need fighting.
Nor is she alone now.
And the monsters won't be like before.

If ever the day comes 
when she no longer lives in the building,
she will want to look up at it and say: 
"Goodbye. Thanks for the memories."

But for now, 
she wants to stand outside, 
look up at the building in front of her,
and know she’s home.