~ Written by Danielle N Bilski ~

Peripheral passenger

How others view me,
and how I think of myself,
confuses me every time,
I try to find a place that is mine.

Do I stand out,
because I do not fit in,
or am I in a blind spot constantly hidden,
like a chameleon?

Tell me, why do I feel guilt,
when I say yes,
when I really want to say no,
but I don’t?

I am learning how to be kind,
to my fragile parts,
as in that moment,
it feels like I undermined my growth.

It is easy to live unseen,
by whoever is in the driver’s seat,
with a safety belt fastened tightly holding you back,
as one of life’s peripheral passengers.

I observed the world blur by,
remaining a driven quiet-achiever,
never in control of the speed,
but always arriving somewhere I was needed.

I have aimed to please others,
since I was a developing tiny human,
and being seen came from anothers’ approval,
which meant I neglected my personal truths.

I sat in that seat with the same view,
for so long my internal navigation was ignored,
I had forgotten what I actually believe,
we can always choose to fly free.

Alone on an open unmarked road I decided,
I will no longer faithfully acquiesce,
trying to please everyone I meet,
now you can only feel me briefly as the light unyielding breeze.

©2023 Danielle N Bilski