The Journey

The Journey By:Jo Riley In the winter of my thirty-second year I found myself in the middle of a dark wood Fear and despair were my only companions Sorrow permeated every inch of my being Draining every ounce of strength I once held I didn't cry out for life to save me from death But for death to save me from life Though neither one ever came The spirit of grace came in their place shining a light on the path that would lead me out of the dark wood I followed grace to an angel of the earth and there the angel cared for me despite his human failings for he came from the earth and not of the heavens the angel whispered truth endlessly in my ear until truth shattered my perceptions and caused me to redefine myself and embrace understanding which led me to peace and joy who lay inside me all the time Jo Riley is a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of her step father whose poems address her healing journey that began when she was 32 (five years ago). Return To: The Sept/Oct issue Survivor Haven's Homepage