success

the woman whispered to herself

i am not successful i am a failure

and her spirit whispered back
ask the woman who's children were taking away what success is

the woman asked the mother what is success?
she said having my children in my arms every night

the woman bemoaned

 i am not successful i am a failure

and her spirit whispered back
ask the homeless man what success is

the woman asked the homeless man what is success?
he said having a roof over my head and a warm place to lay my head at night

the woman lamented

i am not successful i am a failure

and her spirit whispered back
ask the drug addict what success is

and the woman asked the drug addict what is success?
and the drug addict replied being free from this addiction

the woman cried

i am not successful i am a failure

and her spirit whispered back ask the convicted felon what success is

and the woman asked the inmate what is success?
and the woman replied success is freedom. it lies beyond these prison gates.

and the woman groaned

i am not successful i am a failure

and her spirit whispered back
ask the woman in an unhappy marriage what success is

and the woman asked the unhappy wife what is success?
and she replied success is not being trapped in a relationship with a man that does not love you

and the spirit told the woman you are successful
and the woman listened

Spiritual Journey by Henry Asencio