The Paradox of Pain

Please take my hand

For I have endured

The depths of hell

And danced with demons

Alone

With just my will

To arrive at this day.

Over the mountain top

Where I now sit

With peace of mind;

All along,

I was always trying to find

Outside,

A reason to smile

And now-

Uncaused happiness

Is mine

And I broke myself to learn

It was always inside.

So please take my hand

So I can bring you here

For I want no man

Or woman

To feel

What I have felt

To get here.

But wait

I am who I am

Because the flames of futility

From living a life not mine

Fueled a voice

To finally take a stand.

There was no hand,

That fed me

Or pulled me up higher

To better understand.

I walked through the fire

Alone

And now here I am

Slaying dragons

With either hand.

And so I must retract my offer

To lend a helping hand

Pain is a prerequisite,

To finding blissful land.

To serve you best

I must not serve you at all

You must face the bouts of fear

Alone

To learn what is really real.

And one day you will emerge

Over the mountain top

Carrying your slayed dragon

And in the other hand, a spear.

And this I promise you-

When you arrive

My friend,

I will be here.

Not with one hand

But two arms wide open

To embrace the warrior

That has appeared.