Introduction: This poem was inspired by and written while listening to “Catch My Breath” by Kelly Clarkson. I encourage you to listen to the song before or while you read this to fully understand the meaning behind my own words. Her words in that song are so strong.
This poem is dedicated to Kelly Clarkson and to all of those who make their own way in this world no matter what challenges they face.
The Box
I’ve been locked inside this box
These powder gloves defining me
So scared, so cold and feeling lost
But looking up, down on my knees
My empty eyes can see a key
So close but just beyond my reach
I bow my head to say a prayer
That I will find strength within me
I lean against the wall to stand
But the frosted glass is melting
I look up to see the key again
Just in time – to see it falling
I reach my gloves out eagerly
And – in – slow – motion – it’s moving
Slowly first – then faster – dancing
So anxious – I can’t catch my breath
My fingers wrap around it tightly
Its warmth unravels their frozen threads
And unlocks the light within me
Written by: Gretchen Leary 2012
Gretchen Leary (McIntire) 
…bad girl (I didn’t listen to the song first), so now I must and read again. Truly, though, I see the struggle and feel the faith without the song.
The music does make a world of a difference. 🙂 Thank-you for taking the time to reading my poem!
the key is not to the box necessarily, but to the light within you, which allows you to really see the box…cool slo mo on the fall of the key and then speeding it up again…
Thank-you 🙂
Yes, the box is just an illusion of insecurity. The key is a tool that unlocks the gloves which are more like handcuffs as they are holding me back.
I pictured myself as a modern-day mime
I like the last line…no the whole poem itself, very meaningful share ~
Hope your light shines bright for the new year ~
Thank-you for such kind words. 🙂
Lovely… I’m a big fan of Kelly Clarkson, too. Happy New Year!
Thank-you! She’s awesome.
I took my daughter to see her in concert a few years ago. It was one of the best I’ve been to.
I went to one of her concerts in Atlantic City on a weekend trip I took and it was the first concert I’ve been to where I didn’t want to leave right away. I have lots of sensory issues but her voice is so moving and powerful.
This is so uplifting, the persistence in the struggle and the beautiful ending unlocking the inner light.
Thank-you! It was a very empowering feeling I felt while writing it.
Thank-you so much for commenting. I love feedback!
This is wonderful.
Thanks again 🙂
freeing ourselves from that box, whatever it is..not always easy but that surely gives hope…and it’s possible to break free…breathe freely again..i like…have to listen to the song as well…kelly clarkson is cool
Thankyou for taking the time to read my poem. Struggle does end in strength if we focus on the positive 🙂
keys to change……hmmm…they come in all sizes and weights and shapes…nicely done..
So good, so inspiring. Thanks for these thoughts. A Happy New Year to you.
wonderful. “Its warmth unravels their frozen threads” i love this!