Cleaning out closets and desk drawers,
memories piled deep on the floor,
boxes of paper
are brought to the fire
with the satisfaction of flame
burning away years
of struggle.

Rising from the ash
a new idea

of self
of future
of now.

Beloved children, coming to terms with change
with tears and unnamed presumptions
then tentatively beginning
to ask
the right questions.

I release the past

and present my heart
with a new sign –

‘Open’