Venus Speaks

I think I have lost my way. My throat is parched. I have been wandering the pathway. I see the next gate and then it disappears, as if it is a mirage.

My belly cramps. I am hungry. Tired. Depleted. I thought I knew what I was doing, traveling on this descent. Why? Why did I begin this journey? I was so sure of myself, of who I was. I knew my place and people adored me. I was beautiful, draped in my wealth. Who am I now? Who would know me, stripped of my glory, dirty, beaten down. Who would want to be near me, looking like this?

I hear my mother’s voice, and my mother’s mother voice. They chide me, shame me. I cringe at the thought of them seeing me here, now, like this. I am so tired of trying to receive their approval.

I see the gate, I stumble through. I have no words left to speak. I may be exhausted, filthy, ragged, and bare, but I am also determined. I will. I will. I will continue my quest. For me. For no one else. I do this for me.