truth

one day,
in the quiet reflection
of a calm pool
I discovered
in the middle of me,
I looked at myself
long and hard,
and broke all promises
I'd spoken out loud
over the years,

and in the midst
of those ruins,
sacred testimony
to a strong will,
to walls holding
nothing more
than a rich history
of marriage vows,
to beliefs
I called my own,

I took seven steps
around the flaming water,
with my hand upon my heart,
making a secret vow
whispered to Life,
carrying its sound
on my trembling lips,
to make and live
this one life,
as my very own.