Reckoning

she pulls the blade
from the cracked leather sheath
where it has been protected
longer than anyone can remember
its blade hewn to perfect sheen
sharpness

the handle cold,
slowly warms in her fist
raising the long blade to get
a better view
her green eyes are suddenly
reflected back

her warrior spirit
races through her veins
cutting ties from her past
she glides the blade against
lingering thoughts that refuse
to set her free
ribbons that threaten to bind
and strangle
relationships that give her
no breathing room

the blade
the only thing real
and true
she will use it from now on,
when anything stands in her way
of reason

Happy New Year