She set me free

when she came to me

& proclaimed:

I am not a victim,

victimized, yes,

she explained,

but the power & force of her soul

transformed all--

healing 

& resurrection

& freedom,

she was not buried

in the ashes of her sorrows,

she was vibrant & whole & luminous beyond description.

I bathed in her light,

wept with joy, 

& rose to slay my own demons.