to defy the confining dark

out of our internal prisons

I believe in each young person I teach,

that each can amaze themselves, and us,

with what can be accomplished,

when doubt and fear lose their hold

on the choice as to whether to be bold,

each can take the risk to be true to the best self within,

only when we venture forth from our internal prisons

can our light be seen,

and it’s then when we can see other lights,

who, together with ours, blaze as to defy

the hold of the confining dark. 

by Henry H. Walker

February 7, ’15