Poem: The Authentic You

No borrowed mask, no practiced line,
No chasing stars that do not shine.
You are not what the world expects,
But something deeper, it forgets.

You are the echo of your soul,
Not broken parts you try to hold.
Not filtered light, not blurred disguise,
But storm and calm behind your eyes.

You are the laugh that breaks too loud,
The quiet peace apart from crowd.
You are the truth that dares to stay
When others turn and walk away.

You’re not your flaws, nor perfect seams,
You’re raw, you’re real, you’re stitched with dreams.
Not made for boxes, rules, or roles,
You’re wild with fire, carved from goals.

The world may try to tell you “no,”
To mold you in a safer glow.
But you, you bloom where roots run deep,
Where hearts are heard and souls can speak.

So stand. Be still. Let silence show—
The strongest thing is letting go.
The bravest path, the clearest view,
Begins and ends with the authentic you.

Thank-you for reading.

Much love and Light,

Brenda Marie Fluharty