Beaten, Not Defeated

Shame

The lethargic pale blue of inadequacy and self-doubt,

The hushed pink of embarrassed failure,

The bitter green of physical breakdown;

A feeble, ghostly shadow of an earlier life.

Reflection

Choices made in haste, born of fear;

Fear of discovery,

Fear of being recognized as a pretender,

A lesser version of a better man.

A recognition of the weight of the gray lies I told myself

To make it through another day.

The small but growing white light of acceptance

And a green light of permission to carry on.

Rejuvenation

The brightening orange promise of a new day dawning,

The earthy browns, leafy greens, the exploding floral reds, yellows,

And purples of a new season of hope.

The Olympic gold of aspiration to rise again,

Dedicated to becoming that better man.