Anticipation

anticipation flutters trembling wings
against the diamond bars
of self-imposed prison.

the gates fail a precarious duty
beneath the feathery touch
of gentle fingers.

freedom blows a tremulous breath
into the pneumonic lungs
of drowning souls.

muscles stretch suffocated fibers
toward the fragile precipice
of unknown life.

hope pours honeyed soil
around the unprotected roots
of softspoken violets.

blood throbs liquid fire
through the lukewarm veins
of renewed strength.

independence shatters overwhelming uncertainty
by the agonizing acceptance
of inexplicable feeling.

Sandy S. (april 15, 1996, 2:56 p.m.)