Where I Was

Where I Was

Between me,
In the desert cave,
And the expansive world
Beyond,
Stands my mother.
A silhouette in a doorway,
Like a guard.
And yet, I do not know
If she is keeping me prisoner
Or
If she is on the lookout
Protecting me,
From the dangers,
Beyond.

I am unconscious,
On the floor of a boxing ring,
Of a fight I didn’t even know,
I was in.
And when I come to,
I feel,
The phantom pain.
A sucker punch to the stomach,
A blow to my upper back,
The knockout punch to my head.
Shame,
Because I never saw them coming.
Blinded,
By the ancient need for love,
That was there,
But not revealed.

In the darkness,
I call out softly.
She moves from the doorway,
And feels around for me,
On the floor.
Gently,
She finds me,
She helps me to my feet,
She guides me,
And then,
She releases me,
To the expansive world,
Of myself,
Where no danger,
Can find me.