slam

There was a rope that tugged at my neck with each passing second.

That rope was tied to a role.

Then, I didn’t know what role I was meant to play.

Sometimes, little dogs act all high and mighty because they think that they are big.

They bare their teeth and snarl and hiss.

They growl and prowl around like they own the place.

They act like big dogs, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are small.

With people, when they feel like they’re the worst - they act like they’re the best.

(I’m sure that tiny dogs always feel like they’re the best.)

Tweaking parts of yourself to appear greater and more extraordinary - is it worth it?

I wonder. Does it make you happy?

Maybe pretending to be something you’re not fools people on the outside.

Still, pretending to be something you’re not takes a toll on the inside - the real you.

And the real you is more important than anyone else.

So, the message is, it’s okay to be yourself. It’s okay to be who you are.

In growing up, we may hear many things about who we’re supposed to be.

Don’t look at yourself through everyone else’s eyes. What do you think?

Tell me what you want for yourself.

Then, make a difference.

The role that is truly yours will not break you.

Remember. You take the rope. You don’t let the rope take you.

...

Finally! You’re standing up for what you believe in.

You’re looking up and believing that all your efforts were worth the while.

And you knock on their doors for them to invite you in with a smile -

and they ask you how you’ve been. If you would like something to drink, to eat.

You take a seat. But sometimes, all they have to offer you is cynicism and defeat.

Don’t forget that this world can be dark and cruel.

There will be hurt that cannot be fixed with bandages or with poetry.

Always know that you are not made of metaphors, but flesh and bone.

Know that there is no destiny for you that is set in stone: destiny is a book you write yourself.