Poem: Live in Authenticity

Live not in shadows others cast,
Nor wear a smile that will not last.
Let not your truth be trimmed or tamed,
For fear of being judged or blamed.

Speak with a voice that’s wholly yours,
Unpolished, raw, the kind that soars.
Don’t mute your fire to soothe the room—
The brightest stars need space to bloom.

The world may press you, shape, distort,
But hold your soul as last resort.
In quiet strength or roaring sound,
Be grounded, flawed, and wholly found.

Peel back the layers, shed the guise,
Let honesty uncloud your eyes.
For peace is not in their applause,
But standing firm in your own cause.

So live in truth—no mask, no guise,
No shrinking self to please their eyes.
There’s power in your naked name:
Authentic hearts will light the flame.