Image courtesy of an extremely gifted artist, YuliaPW at Deviantart

Funny we should be looking at poetry on TED this evening. It just so happens that….

This is the completion of a poetic trilogy charting my feelings and thoughts, just as it is the completion of my transition, that I have shared here on BCTS.
My journey is far from over, with so many new opportunities beckoning, nor will I be turning my back on BCTS and all my friends here.
However, the journey of my transition truly started here, so it seems fitting it should find closure within a place and community that has been a constant source of comfort, and where I found my sister of the heart.

Persephone

Pegasus Lands (One thousand four hundred and eighty eight days)

Great wings sweep low over the soft green space
and the mythical steed lands with customary grace.
When her hooves touch the turf a woman alights,
her skirts sweeping the wildflowers, the cool dew a delight.
For the first time she’s home, neither perfect, nor fair,
but perfect in her eyes because it fits her.

She looks to herself, sees herself, not apart,
but like all other women, matron to her mirror, maiden in her heart.
A glance over her shoulder at the course she has steered,
past dread dangers imagined and real risks never feared.
Then smiles up at dear Pegasus, her guard and her guide.
Her magic true friendship, hard earned wisdom her might.

She laughs, a joyous ripple, now arrived at journey’s end,
decides the price was worth paying for the treasure she’s gained.
Yet a further price is demanded, both by honour and pride
She will be another’s Pegasus when they embark on their ride.

Pegasus Flight (July 2011)

The music has started, the carousel spins,
I’ve accepted myself and my journey begins.
Long hours have I lain tormented by fears,
tossing and turning as my pet demons sneered.

Yet in that dark furnace I both lost and I gained.
The bonds that once held me, the dread weight of my chains,
are now a bright crystal that pierces the mist,
to now see what may be, what may not, and the risks.

The music runs faster, my steed spreads her wings,
Pegasus breaks free from her bonds as she springs.
Behind lies regrets, below lies old fears,
ahead lies a future, unformed yet so clear.

This flight is no fantasy, this journey no quest.
The dangers are real yet still I feel blessed,
for at last I can see who I was, who I’ll be.
And soon in my heart I know I’ll be free.

Siren Song (May 2011)

She lies alone, imprisoned by fate,
her face hidden, her nature denied.
Then into her gaol a mystic song steals,
Seductively painful, well known since a child.

Within it’s sweet melody a promise is held,
A life and a death, both pain and reward.
The sirens entice and the woman must yield,
Offering herself to the harpies’ sharp claws.

Fear of the drugs and fear of the blade,
Fear of relations and fear of reflections.
Courage is hard when you can’t share your fears,
But the fear of not trying pushes on past the tears.

Ahead lies the light, on each hand lies despair.
Behind are the ashes of chances deferred.
Damned if she stays and damned if she dares,
Well damn all the world, I’ll finally be her.

© Persephone 2011 - 2015