Hiding in a cave was once my favorite occupation
Where darkness replaced light and I felt safe from observation.
Hiding in a cave gave a refuge from raging emotions,
Where anger devised it's poisonous potions.

Hiding in a cave became a symbol of dark despair,
Where reality ended and escaping became the only thing fair.
Hiding in a cave was easier than seeing the new day. Shadows replaced light and life appeared safer seen this way.

Hiding in a cave does not lead to salvation,
When the helping hand is rebuffed and self-pity made the equation.
Escaping the cave needs a friend's helping hand--it's true unfailing devotion.
It's sensitive tug will lead you out of your confused visual emotion.

Anger can lead to fear if we forget how powerful it's force.
Fear can lead to anger if we don't control it's source.
Love can lead to hate if not newly made each day.
Hate can lead to love if not crushed and cast right away.

Denial must look to acceptance because the future we cannot envision.
Despair must be rejected or our souls will forever be imprisoned.
Imprisonment is horrific as it swallows our whole being.
Acceptance must be embraced or despair will crawl back unseen.

Being is about seeing, and seeing is difficult right now for me.
Being must become what I perceive and not only just what I see.
Being is feeling and believing our very hearts and souls.
Being is trying to accept a new set of visual goals.

Difficulties can be met, but first courage must be found.
Courage needs help which is often lurking around.
This can lead to freedom which gives the ability to cope.
Coping will then lead us onward to newly found hope.

Freedom from depression requires determined deep thinking.
Freedom from obsession requires change to save us from sinking.
Freedom from desolation requires trust, love, and loving.
Once this is accepted, you will have a brand new way of being.

Think of reaching out to others as an urgent plea from darkness.
Think of it as relief from a time of lonely starkness.
Think of it as a first step when you admit that help is needed please.
Think of an out-stretched hand poised waiting for you to seize.

Tears were swelling as I searched for someone who really understood.
The silence was deafening and all ears appeared to be made of wood.
"Where are you hiding?" my pleas went urgently calling.
At last I heard a voice, and my hopes were saved from falling.

This voice listened when everyone else thought the truth too foul.
This voice is always there when I feel the need to howl
A hand which shares my grief and suffers too from this disease.
A hand also needs comforting words that help put a mind at ease.

Walking together towards hope and acceptance is easier than walking alone.
Walking together is like searching for and finding an alternate home.

Remember your inner strengths when now completing a task.
Never forget these strengths are always behind your new visual mask.

Remember who you really are as you go upon your way.
Never forget your uniqueness it should not be allowed to fray.

Remember your eyes see only what you want them to.
Never forget other senses can bring these images to you.

Remember your will and determination each and every day.
Never forget to heed them carefully as they will light your way.

Remember your eyes are only a portion of your total being.
Never forget feelings will give you another way of seeing.

Remember the positive things done while living life.
Never forget negative thoughts lead to greater strife.

Remember to reach for arms of those you truly love.
Never forget that others arms also need a velvet glove.