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From outside in

survival props subdue the fears inside,

where life is lost in battle songs

though oft their words forgot.

Survival brain protects and stands

against, and never for.

Safe until the moon sets close-

a quiet tremor felt

hushing winds

and with the sigh

you find

the self that fell apart.

Leaving

I saw it whipped

waving above

nearly alone

holding on.

I saw the cords

life surging on

from ground to stem attached.

Then off balance

in twinkling light

I heard a breath

release…

past all the others hanging still

a twirl and dance, a northern front

leaving ties

the shackles gone

and falling free at last.