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 days and bad

Emotions dark and light

Success alongside failure

Life's roller coaster ride

Each I face, eyes wide open

Hands by my side

Leaning into the curves

Embracing the tears

And a passion that drives me

Immersed in life.

I am fearless