To the child
Who feared to speak
I will now shout.
To the child
Who feared to try
I try try and try again.
To the child
Who felt so unbrave
I applaud your courage to exist-
And grow!!
To the child
Who hid from life
I have found it and rejoice in it!
To the child
Who did not know what to do
I have learned to search and ask until I know.
To the child
Who did not believe in self
I have discovered value, worth, and power.
To the uncertain child
I have learned that there is no shame in uncertainty, in faltering, or in falling.
So I learned to continue on.
To the child who was-
Part of you still remains
And
I thank you
For all that you brought me through.
All that you brought me to.
I will shield you.
Forever .
I do not hide behind a shield in fear-
I stand before my fears holding a shield of courage.
***
colleen
