Justice...

Written April 1, 2009

I don't remember the last time
I smiled so much for no reason at all.

For three years I have been held captive,
to fear.
Will I ever experience justice as it was intended?
to doubt.
Do those closest to me believe in my innocence?
to question.
What if justice is actually injust?

How was I, one who had been betrayed by the very definition of "justice",
to maintain hope in a system so flawed?
How was I, one who had been slandered by those who call themselves "upright",
to continue to fight when all I wanted to do was collapse?
How was I, one who had been mislabeled by the general public of "decency",
to remain confident when all I wanted was to hide?

The hope remained alive.
The fight continued.
The confidence rebirthed.

Then, a glimmer of justice!

I breathe
and for the first time in years, I feel free.
I laugh
and for the first time in years, I'm overtaken.
I smile
and for the first time in years, I'm consumed.
I rest
and for the first time in years, I'm restored.

Those outside the circle of injustice know not
the indescribable sense of peace I feel.
My cheeks are stained from tears,
but these are not tears of sadness.

This is not the end,
but rather is only the beginning
until justice is served in its entirety.