My Cardboard Balcony

A Jolly Fellow by Belinda Roddie His walking stick looked like a giant candy cane as he hobbled toward the grocery store. A little helper carried his bags for him, and another held open the door. His beard wasn't white, and his eyes didn't twinkle, but the warmth he exuded was clear. And the old man laughed as his wife drove him away to a house filled with Christmas cheer.

I am centered. I am grounded. My core is cemented to the earth. I am vindicated. I am exonerated. I am pardoned and absolved of my sins. I see color. I hear music. I feel all temptations wither like rotten grapes on a dying vine. I am fulfilled. I am assertive. And I am ready to fucking fight.