Vast and deep, cavernous and abyssal, gaping and yawning,

such was the endless nature of my trepidation,

full-bodied, looming, that omniscient shadow,

solidifying, forming chains, holding fast,

until I knew the chains were all my own,

of my creation, of my mind and my soul--

slowly my resolve thickened and firmed,

solidified to steel, readied to resist,

trembling at first, then steadfast,

resolute, unfazed, determined,

and the chains weakened

and slackened, yielding

to brave new strength,

a strength all

my own.