IN HINDSIGHT

She said I can control my thoughts

by keeping a painfully upright spine.

Despite soreness, aches and stiffness, my back found its rightful home

and instead of comfort, my body discovered strength.

They recommended a place far away

to disrupt all that is familiar.

Initially I crawled and complained but eventually I embraced new territory

and in the absence of my crutches, I grew tall.

He said I can find stillness 

by depriving myself of sight.

First came fear, guilt, shame and grief, then my eyes accepted darkness

and without distraction, my heart found freedom.