im ready to hang my coat up,
to take the time i need to fold my sweater,
before i sit down,
to stay a while.

i might even open the windows a bit,
to feel the cold breeze on my skin,
that i once couldn't handle,
that once brought me into hibernation.

the pebbles i once slipped on,
when going down that steep hill,
i can now gracefully descend.

my legs, once weak on ice,
now stand firmly, without separation.

and the rope i couldn't hold on to,
that use to burn my palms,
does not slide away from my grip.

my callouses, now present a rougher handshake,
to those i don't need.

and my finger tips,
burnt and numbed,
so i can hold on to the hot steel,
if i ever need to again.