Tidal Breathing

The air up here is much easier to breathe. 
Countless battles within - shaking off what's left of my leaves. 
Tested and tried adding more layers of pride with not much else bringing ease.
Losing more slack the more I react bringing me down to my knees. 

Saved up all my might to walk away. 
Held my breath, test after test, day after day.
Lessons or recollections tread light when the mind's at play. 
Winter blows much colder when you carry on in that state. 

Rested crown of thorns - I feel relief.
Worries, cares and wisdom shared carried into sleep.
Insides may yell trying to penatrate that shell as the inner child continues to weep. 
Surface wounds showing as the vestal fire steadies it's growing - a whisper sent back from the deep. 

I'll scream and I'll yell breaking out of my shell no longer a reason to hide. 
Fame won't entertain left feeling quite lame freeing the devil digging into my pride. 
Collecting what's left several years passing these tests learning to breathe with the winds and the tide. 

~I.S.~