A new me

"Yes?" I spoke, surprising even myself

An accidental glance at the mirror confused me further

My stance which was slouchy was now tall

My voice which was mumbled could now flow

My thoughts, no longer muddy and now clear

In that moment, I realized

Though I couldn't draw the sword

I faced trials

Trials of the mind

Trials of excruciating pain

I no longer feared the words of men

so I don't need to slouch

To speak

To think

Like anyone else

Although I couldn't draw the sword….

I was free

I was the sword

And the summit-my whetstone