before you retreat
check every crevice
inspect all sides thoroughly
weigh balance, leverage
go underneath and behind,
under and in-between
double check for accuracy
leave no trace, clean
reflect, regret, and remember
as needed to face
release, reveal, reconsider
as needed to erase

then stop, stand in the midst
breathe reality, then dismiss

turn around with power
one foot forward with pride
the closer you get to the door
the sooner you’ll be outside
there is a difference, unlike
there is a newness, unseen
there is another place to flee
somewhere you deserve to be.

-see

©2015 Cornelious “See” Flowers
@seethepoet