Frozen in time

Unprepared for what lies ahead.

Her heart makes its rhythm known.

Tentatively, lifting the hem of her carefully constructed veil.

In the darkness, their long-appointed dwelling place,

They wait, breath held.

Eager, yet hesitant to show their fragmented, forgotten, features

Discarded, in an act of survival.

Cast into a self-curated abyss, left alone to tend to their deepest wounds.

For how they wondered, could she even think herself whole?

When the very remnants of her being, lay cold and abandoned.

Frozen in time.

Praying, for the day

When the paralyzing fear of what she would find

Would shrink in the presence of her strength

Her courage.

Her reclaimed light.