The Breaking

Before,

I did not believe it.

  After,

I did not believe it still.

  I could not recall my fist

as it burst through the pine board.

  Was there a board?

  What did I hear my master ask?

  Until, standing in the splinters,

I understood.

  When I broke the board,

  I broke.

And something flew free.

By Marilyn Freedman.