The Frienemy Inside

she wasn't always this way

a little shy

a little uncertain

a little daring

maybe all the sports and games

helped her grow up fast

attention-seeking and always

people-pleasing

a masquerade perpetually seeking

"likes"

from unaware followers

but deep down, beneath the

courteous, lady-like manner

she wanted to reach further

over the counter

but others told her some things

were not

worth reaching for

still she dared to reach further

towards that glorious

chocolate-chip cookie jar

...

But one day the reaching seemed in vain, like there was no use left over

A child caught red-handed, she ran out of the kitchen, never to return

"Be normal, be simple, don't reach for those things too far out of your reach

"Don't expect too much, for you are a woman: that's just who you are

But the messages wouldn't fully un-remember the scars sliced deep within

Of feeling like she could do anything she wanted and not have to worry

Of feeling like the world was a stage and its crowd held cheering praise

And not fear that anxiety would jump out with nonsensical rules

And loudly declare from the microphone: "What are you doing?"

...

but after taking just a

minute

a year

or few

she realized the backtalk

was stemming from inside

the criticism was

hers all along

and her greatest villain was

herself all along

but her greatest hero was

inside with her too

so taking a deep breath

and refusing to sigh

she built up her courage from the

outside

in:

no more will you tell me I cannot do as I please

no more will you say I'm destined for simplicity

and no more will you say my dreams aren't worth it

...

that shut her up