Free and Clear

I wear myself
Like a second skin
Today is the beginning

I have rooted at last
Stand tall and firm
Am growing

Unencumbered
Needing no support
For my stem

I learn how
To be alone

I feel a sense of self
Whole, immutable,
Forming

And a lack of care
For others 
Surfaces

I wear myself
Like a second skin
And this is the beginning

I can disdain
The rest

All those past
Who have given
Nothing

Never been 
Open; cannot be
Free and clear

Except me
Now
I know how

I wear myself
Like a second skin
A second beginning
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