Truth

I ask for bravery
To honour my truth as it evolves with me
Not to hold back in fear of retaliation
Or gaslighting or desertion
But to hold my ground, giving thanks
For revelations that come
To express what I wish for
And to recognise another's capacity for gentle candour
To be sincere
Yielding others the fruits of possibility
That arise from the fertile grounds of honesty
Should I quiet my voice
May it be out of grace
A richness expressed in modesty
Not passive conformity
There were times when I learned to silence
My values and turn a blind eye
Not to stray from the prevailing narrative of society
And there were times when I learned to conceal
My pain and settle for less
Not to appear insecure or weak or needy
But I can unlearn those lessons
I will unbar the gates that have obstructed the flow of life within
I will heed my needs and emotions
In gratitude for the privilege of having a voice
To declare them
An emblem of my respect
For the life I have been given
A life that affords me sovereignty
Over to whom and to what
I grant inclusion
To deny my expression
Is to deny I am here
A sentient life form
Sharing the woes and joys of existence
With those far and near.