Restrained by a past that is still haunted

By yesterday's ghosts, within and without.

Notions of possibility daunted

For you are manacled by crippling doubt. 

Self-imposed regret acts as a chained ball

That restricts your future reach into light.

Hopelessness and despair, a leadened shawl

Like life's straitjacket, with its straps pulled tight. 

Nested, because the truth of your world stings, 

Though fledged, you’re too introverted to fly.

Let me breathe stillness beneath unsure wings

Your Jess loosened, let’s take flight, you and I.