Emerging from my dark place.

You are stuck
In a cocoon
That was built around you.
And it’s dark.
You’re afraid.
The walls feel
Like they are closing in.
You see no light
At the end of the tunnel.
All you feel is despair.
You are paralyzed
With sadness.
You have been in this place
Almost as long as you can remember.

If you can but hold on
Another day.
Do not let the darkness keep you.
Do not let the darkness keep you
For tomorrow
You won’t just see the light
At the end of the tunnel
But the light will fill
The cracks in your very soul
And you will emerge from this pain
And finally be able to see
How beautiful the world is again
With the new perspective you will have
As you rise.
Those new wings
Will fly you away
And you will leave
The darkness
The sadness
And fear behind
In an empty shell
That no longer holds you captive.
-Emerging from my dark place.

This poem relates a butterfly hatching from a cocoon to offering hope to anyone who has suffered from a mental illness, particularly anxiety or depression. Readers need to know that the pain is temporary, no matter how eternal it feels.

“If you can but hold on another day” and another and another. Hold on as many days as it takes to heal, to recover.

“Do not let the darkness keep you.” This line is repeated twice for emphasis. Do not stay stuck in the darkness. Seek help, do everything you can to get to a brighter place.

Though terrible, this experience will give you new perspective. It will make you more understanding of others.

And you will rise.

This will be something you have experienced, learned from, and left behind. Someday it will no longer define you.

You. Will. Rise.

Find this poem and more in the poetry collection The Revival of a Soul.

This website is strictly based off my experience. It should not be viewed as advice. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental illness seek help from a professional.