Sweet Release 

I released myself today.

A message sent quietly
which I know will surely leave
an explosion,
an unknown number of aftershocks.
Little tremors as news spreads
shaking flimsy walls.

I spoke my truth
I set my limits
I reminded myself.

I released myself today. 

It’s quiet now;
What does a captive animal do
once unleashed, uncaged?

The outside smells fresh, and crisp.
Winter is near, and
according to the calendars
it’s the time of endings,
closings, burrowing down.

But I am an animal with my own clock.
I will create my own spring this winter. 

I released myself today.

                               – K. Applegate-King