I kept myself in a shell,
My ultimate way to rebel,
Against those who dishonor me,
Against those who judge my journey.Why should I shine brightly?
They didn’t deserve all of me,
A perfect excuse!
Living a full life? I refuse!I waited a little longer,
I was no sunflower,
I chose not to follow the sun,
I disregarded my only reason.Inching slowly on a rough road,
Using my shell as my protective coat,
I chose not to expand,
I preferred to crawl than to stand.I waited a little longer,
I was no sunflower,
I chose not to follow the sun,
I disregarded my only reason.Drooping sadly into despair,
Despite the bright sun and fresh air,
A defiant sunflower was fading away,
Each minute she denied the golden ray.I withhold myself no longer,
I accept myself as a sunflower,
I’m meant to twirl in front of the sun,
Loyalty to light is my only reason.Why should I dim my light?
Turning a bright day into twilight,
No more excuse!
Living a full life? I can’t refuse!I step out of my shell,
I no longer need to rebel,
Like a sunflower, I show up daily,
The only way to honor all of me.— August, 2024 by Moon and Baboon
Photo by Conner Baker on Unsplash