The grip is tight and strong. Bound by invisible chains, silenced, the gag cannot be seen, the joy is no more. A prisoner of my thoughts.

The chains are slightly loosened, the gag removed from my mouth, and yet my voice is not free. Sound is not yet found. The fog that enveloped my head is now a thin veil.

Holding back the tears I beckon freedom to tread near, to tear me loose. I wrestle the darkness to slip out of its grasp. The dawn is approaching. I whisper “I am here. Do you hear?”

Released at last, I spring free of the past. My voice sings with joy. My spirit soars. I look to the future with joyous expectation. Now. The present is free. I am here. Happy.