I Am Ready

I was you.

I embodied you today

and was you once again.

I was scooping up the sludge

watching it pour and plop

back into the swamp

feeling lonely,

hopeless,

resigned.

The trees hovered protectively above

enclosing my space 

with the desire

to alleviate isolation.

I could feel that kindness.

Then they came,

Mother

Seductress

Guide.

Mother was on my right,

pulling me into her arms,

rocking me,

stroking my hair,

whispering in my ear,

“Ive got you.”

Seductress was on my left,

her hand resting on my arm.

I was staring at her in awe,

slightly intimidated

and she boldly said,

“You are pure.”

She had such power and grace.

“I am you. You are me.” She said

and she showed me

how I would grow and stand in her shoes

powerful and beautiful.

Guide stood behind me, her hands spread,

her gown flowing around us.

Her peace, strength and confidence enclosed us.

She did not speak.

She infused us.

My head lifted.

My chest swelled.

My spine rose with her presence.

Mother and Seductress lifted me.

Hands in mine, 

hands on my elbows, 

hands on my back

as the muck and sludge dissipated

from my hair, skin and dress.

The four of us rose 

onto illumined stairs

and I felt such joy and excitement.

Oh but I didn’t want to lose what I was leaving behind in the swamp!

I hesitated.

Mother, Seductress, Guide

with their hands and eyes

resting on me,

encouraged me that

it would be okay.

It was time.

I looked up at them surrounding me,

and I felt cared for,

attended to,

hopeful.

I do not know where these stairs will lead.

But I am ready.