The Ascent

The shadows cling, they pull me down,

A heavy cloak, a stifling gown.

My breath grows short, my vision blurs,

A symphony of whispered fears.

But in the darkness, I recall,

A strength that rises through it all.

A tiny spark, a flickering flame,

That whispers courage, speaks my name.

I reach for it, this inner light,

And push against the endless night.

Each step is hard, each breath a fight,

But still, I climb towards the light.

The summit calls, a distant gleam,

A promise whispered in a dream.

And though the path is steep and long,

My spirit rises, fierce and strong.

For in this struggle, I can see,

The warrior that I'm meant to be.

And with each step, I rise above,

Emerging into hope and love.