the bridge has been redeemed

with the darkness
the shadow
the fog
the fall
the bridge has been redeemed

the words that have only once been spoken
and were held in a gentle knowing smile
but refuted
the reason being that with the first step
there would be regret

until yesterday
I had only thought of the catching embrace

when after mass helping to put some plants outside for watering
I nonchalantly stepped...out
onto the iron grid and grate of the fire escape landing

and the rush
and the height and the fear of falling
clinched something deep and final within my being

and my glasses feel from the top of my head
as I looked down
and I was never so grateful
to turn and step back...
within...

and I knew the regret that had been spoken of
and I knew I would never
could never step where there was no stepping back...again

and so the words they have been spoken

the tears have been shared
I reached out of my isolation to the body of Christ that surrounds me

and I was received

and tonight

for the first time in months

I feel present

I am still held safely sweetly
holy
and whole
for some reason...
...for His glory