It took so long. . . .
to finally come alive
to find my way back from the darkness
to crawl out of the hole that I buried myself in
to finally see light again
to finally start getting it right

It took so long. . . . .
to just open my eyes
to get back some self respect
to discover the real truth
to rid myself of those who were never real

It took so long. . . .
to not throw stones anymore
to learn how to climb over those stones and build with them
to see that the answers were right in front of me
to discover that I was just too blind to see

It took so long. . . .
to understand all of the words in my head
to put  my words down on paper so they can be read
to realize my purpose here
to not really care if people stare beause they know what I did while over there
to be really proud of my service in a lost war
to finally realize the score and just walk out that door

It took so long. . . .
for her to finally find me
for me to finally find her
to realize the happiness and growth that occured along the way
to finally know my direction
to be glad that I passed her inspection

It took so long. . . . .
to know that today was fun but tomorrow is another one
to watch my words flow and watch where they go
to accept that some things that I just can't forget and move on
to know that this time I will be strong   

It took so long. . . .                                             Jon York      2012