Refuge

A former classmate sent a poem to me, which she read to all of our class during our last module. It really touched me, so I wanted to share it here.

I am here because there is no refuge,
Finally, from myself.
Until I confront myself in the eyes
And hearts of others, I am running.
Until I suffer them to share my secrets,
I have no safety from them.
Afraid to be known,
I can know neither myself
Nor any others; I will be alone.
Where else but on this common ground,
Can I find such a mirror?
Here, together, I can at last appear
Clearly to myself,
Not as the giant of my dreams,
Not the dwarf of my fears,
But as a person, part of a whole,
With my share in its purpose.
In this ground, I can take root and grow.
Not alone anymore, as in death,
But alive, to my self and to others.

-Richard Beauvais