I’ve built a cage around my heart.

Its refuge I do seek.

The whispers urging me to part

From safety as we speak.

A sudden burst of genius

Escape. I’ve found the key.

Is this the path? Is this for me?

Oh, lord, how can it be?

I am so small. The journey’s long.

I wonder if I’ll make it.

The time is now if I am strong.

This chance is here. I’ll take it.

The pain is still within my bones.

The past, it looms above me.

Worth: its cost, the weight of stones.

Have I enough to love me?

The trade will seem a sacrifice,

But soon I will unsee

The lonely value, yes the price.

My heart will be set free.

The journey has been brutal.

The destination glimmers.

If my dreams are futile

Will I survive in embers?

I’ve found a gift. Its value, much.

Is my world upending?

I’ll pay the price with blood and such

If loneliness is ending.

Slowly, gently, the mask comes off.

Did you know that I’d be mending?

Though many stand behind and scoff,

My shackles were pretending.

No one thought they’d see the day.

My loyal heart did break.

Not the love I had for you,

But chains I did forsake.

My cruel disdain, my unkind words;

Scrutiny abound.

Disseminating like the birds;

It’s self-respect I’ve found.

All that glitters is not gold

With rank I can’t compete.

But all the love my heart does hold;

It makes me feel replete.

I’m taking off my tattered garb.

My outer wear deplete.

I’ll don my cloak without the barb.

My soul, it is complete.

You’ll not hear me complaining

Of loneliness again.

My liberty’s not waning.

I’m ready to begin.

The love I have turns outside in.

Neglect no longer hovers.

A calm, low voice whispers within

Its HOME my heart discovers.