On Finding One's Voice

The negative voices in our heads aren't always there to harm us.

I don't usually attempt poetry. When I do, it's usually of the too clever, rhyming variety.

Tonight, I felt moved to try my hand at free verse to address a more serious theme.

I don't know if it's good, but I think it conveys what I'm feeling. 

I suppose that makes it good enough.

---

I found the voice.

The voice that stifles my ideas
and convinces me
I missed something
important,

overlooked
a crucial thing,

invalidates my plans, 
because 

I’m not good enough,
it says.

That's what 
I think
it says.

I found the voice
that makes me hesitate
for just a bit too long,

for my own good.

Until the moment has 
passed, the opportunity
gone.

It's okay.

I could not possibly
be right.

I found the voice
that makes me doubt 
myself

and my abilities.

I found the voice,
internalized, 
it flashed

a black on yellow
hazard sign.

I found the voice, and...
It was not what I expected.

It wasn't the voice
of hate and malice
hoping to see me 
fail,

or the echoes
of long-gone taunts
that kept me from

success.

Instead, it was
the voice of love,

entangled all
in fear,

desperate 
to keep me safe,
wanting never 
to see me fail,

that kept me
frozen
in place.

Wanting
not to harm,
but to hold

and protect
in a forever
childlike
embrace.

So that I never
stumble,
never fall,

never experience
pain
in any way.

For that would be
unbearable
for the voice of love.

A heartbreak,

one too many.

The voice wants
simply what's best 
for me. 

To look out 
for me.

That is its role.

But, the voice
kept me from 
the reality,

to succeed, 
one must also 
fail.

That is the way.

And so, the voice
is not to be 
ignored

nor scorned.
It has its place.

A wise advisor
with only my best interests
at heart.

I need not halt
but merely heed
the sage advice

and travel
onward,

To success.

In my own voice.

Image credit: Canva Magic Media (April 1, 2025).