Fireproof

Took the fall and risked it all

Off the cliff without a roof

Into seven rings of hell

Friends who whispered, stayed aloof

Darkest days and darker nights

Under a weak and leaky roof

My dream was just to be myself.

My very name felt like a spoof

*

I remember your eyes.

The way you schemed but played aloof

You told me just what I was worth

And I told you, “I’m bulletproof”

All my worst and darkest fears

Brought into light, with concrete proof

But still, I didn’t run away.

I stood there, dauntless, daring you

*

Now, in the brutal light of day

The darkness feels like just like a dream

I see that all the fire I faced

Was fear that always lived in me

The shame you kindled with your flames

Was oxygen that set me free

And all the slights and blights

Were only triggers; acts of memory

*

I faced my demons, one by one.

I pulled each one out by the root

I walked through coals to heal my soul

Of all that stymied my pursuit

I asked Life to show me my truth

Lost and afraid, I needed proof–

Just like a phoenix from the dust

I've shown myself

I'm fireproof