It’s easy to lose yourself 
Within the forest of memory 
When you can’t find the sunlight 
Through the canopies of your past. 
 
Leaves sway in the bitter wind 
Crying out for solace. For light.  
Warning you of the dangers 
That lurk in the shadows.  
 
But you can already feel the claws:  
Vicious, twisted things 
Born of trauma and despair, 
And living deep within your mind. 
 
They reach from the darkness  
With doubt, shame, and fear,  
hoping to break you down 
Into more digestible pieces. 
 
But you won’t break so easily.  
Every tree, leaf, and twig 
Waits for your command 
As you remember who’s in charge.  
 
This forest is yours.  
Your memories. Your mind.  
Your darkness. Your light.  
Your soul.  
 
It’s time to dislodge the claws of trauma, 
Silence the whispers of shame, 
Part the canopies wide, 
And remember yourself again. 

Editor: Shannon Hensley