Beginning

I am done 
with staying silent, done 
with trusting 
that having something 
is forever, 
that holding something 
is enough, 
that truth 
is settled 
and vigilance 
no longer required. 

I am done 
with celebrating 
when a goal is anticipated, 
scented, even 
tasted, 
but before it is achieved, 
archived on video, 
witnessed 
by hundreds, no, 
millions—
because I know 
even then 
it can be taken away. 

I am done 
with believing that what is 
cannot become once again 
what was. 

I am done. 
And I am just beginning.

by Gale Naylor