Guardian

The story of a girl trapped in Hell and the woman who guides her out. Loosely based on some real relationships I have.

Stumbling through the labyrinth
Of thorns and flames and jagged stone;
Who on Earth would know or care
That in this Hell I walk alone?
Isn't there some pathway out?
Every step, I'm further lost.
How did I fall in this trap,
And what will be my freedom's cost?
"Follow the light"; so I was told,
But as I look, I trip and fall.
With my blood running in my eyes,
It's hard to see a light at all.
Even worse, my tired eyes
Often make two lights appear;
When this happens, I know not
Which will lead me out of here.
Tired, lost, and nearly blind
I crumple to the empty ground,
Ready now to give up hope
That my pathway can be found.
To my shock, a gentle hand
Wipes my dull eyes free of tears,
Then helps me stand; I shyly meet
A gaze that understands my fears.
An arm around me holds me close,
Gives me strength again to start.
It seems the light is clear again
And paths more certain where the part.
Many times on this dark road,
I'm caught last second as I fall.
Now the pace is clear and quick,
Rather than a jagged crawl.
Still I cry, but now my tears
Soak into my guardian's cloak.
Acrid smoke and ash still fly,
But now it hurts far less to choke.
The path is winding, long, and dark,
Labyrinthine as in lore;
At least I do not walk alone,
And feel much safer than before.
The light grows bigger; dare I hope
That my guide has led me out?
Out beyond this land of Death,
Beyond the pain of fear and doubt?
I feel the heat behind us now,
Not in front - we must be through!
But shadows still surround us here -
'Out' was too good to be true.
"Sit," I'm told, "and get your breath -
Nothing will attack right now."
We made it, then - got free of Hell?
That we did; I'm not sure how.
My guide rests, too, face to flames,
Keeping watch against attack.
"You've done well." I look up, shocked.
"By that point, most people crack.
You're stronger than you know, dear child.
Now come, this journey isn't through."
She stands, returning to our path.
"Wait!" I cry out. "How did you
Know the way to lead me out?"
Why did you come? Eyes sting once more.
She smiles, the whispers soft and sad,
"Honey, I've been here before."