In these empty halls I dwell

Looking at pictures on the wall

Thinking about the stories I was told

And conversations I can’t clearly recall

I run my hands along the wallpaper

And consider all I’ve held in my hand

Things I was told to let go of

For reasons I’ll never understand

As I approach the door, I hesitate

Leaving makes me feel insecure

These halls are so familiar

I feel safe and somewhat sure

I turn the knob hesitantly

And open the door with dread

Looking behind me is comforting

Do I dare to look ahead?

I slowly step through the doorway

And take in the unfamiliar view

Everything feels so distant

So uncertain and so new

What lies beyond the hills

Where the road seems to have no end?

Is that trouble on the road

Or danger up ahead?

The trees obscure my view

To my left and to my right

Clouds fill the sky above

Obscuring so much of the light

I’m nervous and I’m scared

My eyes filling with tears

Not knowing what is out there

Has uncovered countless fears

I reach back for the doorframe

And fill my lungs with air

I ground my feet beneath me

And stand as tall as I dare

One hand goes to my heart

And the beating steadies inside

I already know what to do

I just need the strength to decide

Nothing behind me to go back for

Nothing ahead to run and find

All I need is right in front of me,

In my heart and in my mind

Don’t worry about what’s coming

Or waste time dwelling on the past

Just be present in this moment

And blink your eyes open at last.