I have been drowning in my stream. Sinking deeper, descending to the bottom. Fighting upstream all these years to find my happiness, While realizing happiness does not exist in calm waters. Chaos still persists in my tranquility of life. Blissfullness only happens within myself. Looking for the brightness inside my darkened childhood. A pile up of abuse and sadness, Is it possible for darkness and radiance to coexist? As the stream ultimately drives me to its foundation. Grounded in the dark chilled soil. My roots live in this mud. Established here, this is who I am. Rising up above, as I feel my freedom of inner peace soar above the hardships of life. Traveling to water's surface. All this time struggling to swim against the currents. Searching for a fictitious serene place that only existed in my imagination. I am no longer swimming to obtain peace. I am accepting my essence planted in this stream. Centered and ingrained to the life I was chosen for. Gazing up as I comfortably hover up to the sun rays. Beams piercing underneath sensing the heat of happiness Reaching the top, enlightened paradise waiting for me. Opening my petals one by one; my process is slow and intricate. The bright cloudless sky above me, soaking in the stillness. Basking in this moment. Until the dark sky falls upon me. I restore myself below the surface, back to my roots. Until a new day, a rejuvenated mind, another rise to the surface. Experiencing joyfulness with each blossoming petal. Embedded in my mud of life, finding delight regardless of where I am rooted. Understanding that harmony is internally created by me. Discovering my inner peace within the darkness I come from. I am me, complicated yet simple. Universal, yet rare Fragile, yet strong Broken, yet beautiful. I am a lotus