Embrace

Hands shake

Light's flicker

Eyes shut

Fear surrounds

She's losing control

She's hurt the ones she loves

She can't escape herself

She can't hide from the pain

Tears slide down her cheeks

Images flash through her mind

Faces of loved ones

Whispers of affection

Suddenly, a voice clicks

Her name on familiar lips

Her eyes open 

A friend, hand outstretched

Fear builds a wall

Hiding, fighting, dying

But a bridge stretches toward her

A hand waiting, reaching

She takes a step back

Fear growing stronger

But the voice calls again

Breaking through the dark

"Love is stronger than fear"

The voice says

"And I, I love you

But that's not enough"

Light dims

Wall grows higher

Darkness rises

Bridge seems to fade

But the voice isn't done

"My love isn't enough"

It continues warmly, lovingly

"Because you need to love yourself"

Wall breaks

Light sparks

Tears fall

But head raises

Staring at hands

Struggling inside

But warmth spreads

As dawn breaks

Eyes raise to the sky

Arms stretched out

Hands open wide

As love flows through

Fear fades away

Lights glow steadily

Sparks stop as heart calms

Smile forms through tears fallen

Tight hug warms once cold spirit

Wall torn down, no longer hiding

Bridge crossed, new path opened

Pain dulled, new hope found

Truth be known

Freedom, hope, and peace

Are all found within

Love's tight embrace