The time had come
to embark on a journey,
to leave family and friends,
to depart the only home
           you have known.

As you stand in the doorway
the rooms behind you
filled with memories
pull at your heart and mind 
           to remain.

There is comfort here,
the beyond unknown,
there will be no going back
once that step is taken,
           the door closed.

Voices inside you call out
with doubt and with sadness,
yet there is a new voice
a singular voice, your own,
           you know you must go.

The door closes
and a darkness falls over you
covers you in confusion,
but as you turn there is a light
           that brightens the soul.
 
All that has gone before
and all that you have learned
will be with you, to guide you,
as you begin this journey –
           a new life, your own.