Poetry - I Am Afraid

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

I Am Afraid
by Marilyn R. Wilson

Sometimes...
When I am feeling very, very brave
I open my eye just a little
Just enough to barely see though my lashes

There, in the old dusty mirror

I catch a blurry vision of myself

Should I grab the wash cloth

And wipe away the grime

Turn the lights on and 

See the truth looking back at me

Paralysis stays my hand

I am afraid

Sometimes...
I cover my eyes with my hands

Spreading my fingers a tiny bit
I peer shyly, secretly out at

The world and people passing by

Just a tiny slice of life to view

The whole would be overwhelming

Soulful eyes turn in my direction

Are they welcoming and happy

Are they repelled and judgmental 

If I lowered my hands I could tell but

I am afraid

Then...

Truth dropped in my lap

Warmth from others touched me

Support without expectation

Bit by bit, moment by moment

The fear slowly faded away.

Eyes wide open, I cleaned the mirror

I saw person I am meant to be 

Hands dropped to to my side

I saw the world around me

Both the beauty and the darkness

I am ready

And now...

Good and bad days

High and love emotions

Successes and challenges

Life's roller coaster ride

Each face with eyes wide open

Hands by my side

Leaning into the curves

Embracing the tears

And a passion to fill me

Immersed in life.

I am fearless