the journey in

 a poem I wrote 6 years ago

I’ve clambered up mountains
and waded through streams.
I’ve marveled at forests
and sailed frightening seas.

I’ve camped in the deserts
and gazed at the stars.
I’ve lived through adventure
and I have come far.

The mountains are lies
I have long told myself.
The streams are discomforts
that lead me to health.

The forests are moments
of deep inner peace.
The frightening seas are
my fear of release.

The deserts are hours
alone in my mind.
The stars are the hope
only darkness can find.

The places I’ve sojourned
no map could have told -
this distance I’ve traveled
inside of my soul.