A Dignified Experience

Where I once felt a hopelessness
A crashing of dignity
A relentless fatigue
I found a small but steady hope in the stillness of the day
The smell of my paints
The passion of a novel
During the quietly twilling of notes
Listening naked in a hot bath
A desire to speak

My life's work is not in being an architect and a painter
A musician and a wantful mother
It was in a simple need to see my reflection portrayed
To act regardless of vessel
For I cannot be alone
This cannot be the only thing we collectively know

For i was told to be terrified of my own existence
Taught to hide all my imperfections
Scolded for my hopes and dreams
For this ambition
This very need was argued to be a trick
Up my disorder's sleeve
I desire to be known

This is not a rebellion
This is me having courage
It is my conviction that I am still deserving of
Life's goodness
That you too are deserving of a simple happiness
For we are allowed grace and understanding when
Speaking to our mental illness
Shame will no longer be our companion
We all deserve a dignified experience