Free at last

I’m surrounded by people, and yet I’m alone.
I dwell in my own house, but I’m not at home.
I’ve lived most of my life, hiding inside a shell.
Tossed a fortune in hopes, into the wishing well.

Memories of time lost, and torturous pain.
Are embedded and grate, there inside my brain,
I searched for the good, but found only despair.
Would often give up with, no emotion to spare.

Had to put my dream, upon a dark shelf.
Put my own life on hold, for someone else’s health.
And I traveled the trail, of destructive ways.
Hoping that, would put a swift end to my days.

At the end of my rope, my commitments did end.
With the loss of a loved one, now is time to begin.
After too many years, of seeing nothing but grey.
I knew in my heart, that I’d find my way.

To put an end to pretending, throw away the denial.
To embrace the knowledge, I have known since a child.
To feel the warm sun, as it dries all the tears.
Enlightening my soul, and melting my fears.

To just be myself, that is all that I ask.
I’ll endure all the pitfalls, and conquer each task.
It’s better than dieing, while wearing a mask.
This thing called transition that has freed me at last.

Alternate last line
(Freed from those shackles, I can live life at las