I Feared

I feared their rejection But I still had to stand, It hurt My squeezed heart in their hands I dreaded being different, Until I found my way, I found myself In my thoughts throughout the day I worried what they'd think, Until I claimed my voice, Their opinions held no power, A truth that brings me joy I feared the pain of endings, Till I remembered the things done & said Each closing door an opportunity, Of new doors opening ahead I hated being called "weak," Because of my empathy, In vulnerability, When there was strength in me. I feared failure, Until I learned from my mistakes— In every stumble, every fall, I kept moving into a better place I feared sorrow, Until I felt it’s burn and it’s spark— From pain, I birthed beauty in these marks I feared change, Until I made it a dance, Rhythm and flow, A beat in another chance I feared solitude, Being alone in any place But in that loneliness I learned to love my space. I feared my uniqueness, Until I believed, In every flaw and difference, I’m uniquely me