The only way?

With change unexpectedly thrust upon me,
I cannot help but wonder:
was it always bound to turn out like this?

As the isolated structure I built around myself
crashes down with devastating force,
the world opens wide and I stand, vulnerable;
no walls or distance for protection
and nothing set to replace them,
save for the words and optimism of others.

I'm not ready;
I'll never be ready,
but sometimes the only way forward
is Through.