Middle Stage Process: Cocoon, by Elinol Lopez

Walking down this forlorn road
In this forlorn mood of mine.
I’ve noticed with shame
That I’ve wasted time.

It’s time that’s gone for good
Time I can’t reclaim,
I know I must move on
Though I’m in store for pain.

I’m disoriented and
My poise always falls.
Being too weak to walk,
I’ve re-learned how to crawl.
I’ve become immune
To disappointment,
To fear,
To aversion.

I’ve tasted my own pride.
It’s…
Like a nasty medicine prohibited to spit.
And I’ve had to hide
From my own thoughts—
Its hurt inside,
Pain from my own venom
I’ve tried and cried so many times.

I’ve also known
Some happy hours
And I’ve gown
From their despair
My route is like a salted candy
Sour at first
But sweet when bare.

I’m not even close to flying
I haven’t even grown my wings.
But neither am I done with trying
To one day flutter with the wind.