Exposed

I write in slow-motion

with the same anxiety in my pocket

that I carry to

a party,

or school.

To work,

or your bed.

You can not tell

because the words

"You aren't good enough,"

are spoken in my head.

I smile and laugh

I talk and talk

because someone once said,

"It's unattractive to be worried."

I am self-conscious about

being self-conscious.

And now this

writing

being vocal

on Vocal.

A new kind of dread.

Will I be read?

If not

Am I an actual

Writer?

I write in my notebook,

anxiety gone,

my voice strong.

But here

Here I am, just

exposed.

Whether they read or

whether they don’t.