If we’re honest with ourselves
And
Before we allow anyone else to define us
Or who we’re meant to be
To cloud our eyes
A La Nina of the spirit
I want to ask
And know
Who is it that we want to be?
And
Who do we see when we look in the mirror?
Does the person refracting
offer any reflecting
of who we know ourselves to be?
When we look
Into the gleam of the glass
Do we see ourselves?
Or
Do we see the titles that we shoulder out of expectation
or obligation?
Thick plates of chainmail
Unshakeable, drowning
As powerful, I find
And as beholden of promise
Is what remains unseen
Which roles do we wish to pick up
But find ourselves wary
Afraid of the leering and jeering of others
And
What of the dreams sitting moth eaten on hangers?
Tucked into dusty armoires
Heartcries of I could never wear that
Which robes would we put on
If we could clothe ourselves authentically?
Getting dressed in this way takes great courage
To go out into the world as ourselves
We are faced with
Whether or not we let the faces of others serve as our mirrors
Or do we listen to the voice within us
Reminding
That we are clothed in strength and dignity
Often I find
That it is those lacking the confidence to don their own mantles
Who seek to find others wanting
They who live with mirrors covered
Sitting Shiva for the identity within them
In this way I find it easy to hold space
and compassion
For when have any among us
Not felt this way
In some place along our journey
To them and to you
I say only this
You are worthy
And I ask only this
Who would you call yourself
If no one could tell you you were wrong