FEAR – Dear old friend

“The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.” Thomas Paine

FEAR

Dear old friend,

Simon & Garfunkel already sang your name.
When darkness hangs like a heavy cloud,
It’s not just anxiety, not just depression—
It’s also anger.
And yes, Fear, I know you need an outlet—
To be seen, heard, felt.

So I sit with you. I listen.
No, it’s not comfortable.
But you’re a great teacher, aren’t you?
You are capable, and so am I.
I will do what needs to be done,
Even when you want me to be afraid—
Afraid to move, afraid to grow,
Afraid to evolve.

Yes, to outgrow you.
You don’t want me to leave.
But who’s to say I want to leave you?
I want us to coexist,
Acknowledging each other.
I know you mean well,
But let’s be honest:
You’re not delightful.
You don’t lighten the room.
No, the room darkens,
And everything feels heavy.

I want to stay in bed,
Keep turning,
But there’s no rest for the wicked.
All I long for is sleep—
To sleep the heaviness away, with you beside me.

But now, it’s enough.
I know your shape by heart.
So when you come,
I’ll take a deep breath,
Remember who I am.

I am not fear.
I am love.
I am here to be love(d).

So when you show up,
I’ll shake you off,
Shift my state of mind,
And step forward—
Not as your prisoner,
But as your friend.

DD

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