*
We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight to liberate us into life.
Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains
of fear from our souls.
We are weaned from our timidity
in the flush of love's light we dare be brave
and suddenly we see
that love costs all we are and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free...
Maya Angelou
