I survived The teenage years

Though I havn't 'survived' the teenage years, for in reality I'm still going through it, the ending I have written is how I want it to end, and I pray to G-d every day that it will end this way, with no harm done.

A tunnel looms ahead of me,

long and dark and vast.

I do not wish to enter it,

but my chances of escape have long since passed.

A force Propels me forward,

almost like a gently guiding hand.

I try my best to fight it,

but my wish is no longer His command.

The darkness closes around me,

and my heart stands still in fear.

I search in vain for the exit,

but escape does not seem near.

I sense people around me,

and realize that I am not alone.

Yet somehow this thought doesn't comfort me,

for this battle I must fight on my own.

The tunnel fills with water,

but its ok cuz I can swim.

Just keep your head up and forge ahead,

and I know that I will win.

But things start getting complicated,

someone is holding on to me, pulling me down.

They are using me to stay afloat,

but if I let them, then I too will drown.

I hear screams of fear all around me,

as people succumb to the waters bite.

It is cunningly pulling them into its muck,

and one by one they are losing the fight.

Their crys pierce my heart,

and my whole being feels their pain .

I want so much to help them,

but my limbs will not obey.

I think about letting go,

about ending it all right now.

I could try to survive, and reach the end,

but giving up seems easier somehow.

I cry out, and ask for help,

as tears fall from my eyes.

I beg G-d to guide me safely through,

yet all I hear are my echoing sighs.

You said that You would help me,

yet I dont see You around.

You promised me You'd come when I call,

but I dont hear a sound.

I let the water close over me,

give in to its warm embrace.

The fight has finally gone out of me,

I want out of this race.

But I'm wrenched back to reality,

some higher force will not let me drown.

Part of me screams out in frustration,

while the other can not let them down.

The tunnel slowly empties,

as many are giving up the fight.

I want to follow their lead,

when suddenly I see a light.

It glows faintly in the distant,

my chances of reaching it are few.

But I cant give up, I know I must try,

not just for me, but for all the others too.

I feel all of them watching me,

silently cheering me on.

Though they have lost, and I might win,

this battle is all of ours, we are one.

I want them to swim with me,

and not give in to their fate.

But they tell me to go, and leave them behind,

for them its already too late.

The light grows stronger as I forge ahead,

and I know that I'm almost there.

Excitement gives me a burst of speed,

my victory is very near.

I'm suddenly blinded, and I stumble,

but strong hands pull me through.

Out of the darkness and into the light,

I feel it, I know its true.

Im battered and bruised and weary,

but I made it out alive.

I could have drowned, or be swimming still,

and yet, I have survived.

I'm different than when I started,

I will never again be the same.

But I know I'm stronger, more mature,

I've learnt a lot from this deadly game.

There is no going back, only forward,

let us see what the future will bring.

As the winter awakens from it's slumber,

it ushers in the warmth of spring.

Many happy days are coming,

filled with life, and laughter, and fun.

The darkness is gone now, part of the past,

the bad times are over and done.

Looking back now I dont regret it,

the tunnel has made me who I am today.

I am a fighter, a stronger person,

but I wish there was an easier way.

My message to all those still going through it,

head up and hold on tight.

The ride will be rough and difficult,

but after darkness there is always light.

As hard and depressing as it seems now,

know that G-d is always here.

When the going gets tough, and you want to give up,

just call out, and He'll be right there.

It may seem bad, at times impossible,

but its all a test, to make us stronger.

None of it is real, its all just a game,

I should know, for I am a survivor.