The Bravest Day in My Life

let go
says the voice
above the din of panic,
unmistakable and familiar
for all my reluctance.
let go
i hear the whisper
against the void of knowledge
welling unstoppably with
the final release.
relax your muscles
unclench your fists
breathe out the tension
that holds you transfixed
and just let go.
i strain every nerve
frantic for a rejoinder,
my heartbeat is racing
in an unknown direction,
my body has curled up
against the decision,
i’m shutting down
against the intrusion, I’m…

in the sound-proof moment
of a flash recognition
i feel my own lips
shaping around
the letting go.
and it is suddenly
all very clear.