voices

Fear

Am I afraid?

Do I lack the courage to be "me"?

Am I afraid of losing friends?

Or having people stare at me as if I am a relic from afar?

Yes, I'm like that.  Yes, I'm afraid.

Am I afraid?

Do I lack the courage to stand up,

To fight,

To speak my mind?

Yes, that I lack.  Yes, I'm afraid.

Am I afraid?

Do I withdraw?

And seek solace in myself, with no one around to comfort me,

with no other voice to lessen my burden?

Yes, I do that.  Yes, I'm afraid.

Am I afraid?

Do I shy away from diversity?

Do I want to keep things safe in my own way

And miss the many joys that change can bring?

Yes, I fear change.  Yes, I'm afraid.

It's silent in my lonely world,

Clouds of cynicism fill my air

I live alone with all my cares

And don't even know how I got here.

Oh yes, the fear.

You see, my friend, try not to stare

It's just the mask of "knowing" that I wear.

Don't act surprised, but lend a hand.

I will try to take it if you promise to understand.

I hate the fear.

I don't want to be afraid.

So help me, help me, help me, please.

Yes, I'm afraid...

And I no longer want to be.


Mary Ann Schradi ©  Used with Permission of the author.

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