OctPoWriMo #1: Dark Night of the Soul

That moment when
all has failed,
again,
and you realize
only you can decide
to rise up on shaky legs,
move out of that safe, dark closet,
vulnerable and worn,
eyes open to frailty,
recommitted to this day,
this coming month, this short life,
armed with courage and hope.

October begins with OctPoWriMo, a writing challenge created by Morgan Dragonwillow. She has posted a writing prompt for the next thirty-one days, around the theme, “diving into the shadows to mine for gold.” Go to Morgan’s website http://www.octpowrimo.com/ to read what others have written, to comment, and, if you wish, to post a link to your own poem. 

Today’s challenge: Dark Night of the Soul. Writers are often drawn to write stories about the journey of the hero, a multi-layered and mythic, step-by-step retelling of our very human efforts to become our true selves. This ‘dark night of the soul’ happens when all is lost, and the hero or heroine decides whether to stop trying or to slay the inner dragon and continue the journey. Of course, this happens in ‘real’ life as well. The dark night is when you face down all that could destroy you and decide to believe in your dreams – and yourself.

Tomorrow’s challenge: Changeling. Why not join in?