UNBRIDLED I

Footsteps dragging

Back aching,

Heels peeling

Sweat mingled with my tears dripping into my eyes

I walked.

Children mocking

Encouraged by parents

Clawing at my skin

Skin soft and smooth from the faithful treatment of oils

I held my package close and tight to my body.

Elders sneering, jeering

All waiting to witness my shame

Anticipating my public disgrace

I raised my head and looked straight at the faces I had been intimate with

They all refused to return my gaze

Each one praying I do not rest my gaze on them

I walked ahead.

I had come to the end of my soul struggles

I had survived in the only way I knew how

But the inner shame and despair crushing my ribs

At d fear of such a bleak existence for the rest of my lives,

was the cost of living a life like mine.

I had gotten to the stage were hope was a treasured commodity

It was the only thing that kept me alive and it was the only thing that kept me walking

The crowds parted until I saw him,

My eyes rested on him and

Thrills raced up my spine

The hairs on my neck stood still as electricity rocketed my body

Nothing at that point would have kept me from reaching him.