Ink Stained Soul…

After all this time,
I finally gave myself permission.

Permission to open the cages around my heart.
To see how another gaze could make me smile.
How easy banter back and forth
can come just as natural as breathing.

To let myself feel alive —
by choice.

New hands can find those same places
without the trace of hurt following their path.

And so, I allowed them
the opportunity.