i rose.

i sat in the hole,
hands raw from clawing at stone,
eyes filled with tears.

for so long
the walls looked endless,
my voice unable to be heard.

but then-
a sliver of light
peaked over the edge,
dim, patient,
waiting for me to notice.

step by step
i rose,
bones aching,
heart unsure,
mind fearful.

when my fingers touched the edge
and the sun shined down on me,
soft and warm,
i knew
there was still a place
for me in this world.