Singing My Song

 

 

I didn’t know that I had a voice

— my own unique sound to sing to the world.

 

I lost it somewhere along the way in my growing up

in what was my gray world lacking shape and substance.

I had been silenced

and continued to silence myself.

 

When I came to know that I had the right to sing

my truth to the world without editing,

without waiting for permission,

when I knew that I could growl or wail, laugh or keen

then I changed.

 

I found the strength to ignore the harsh words and disapproving stares

of everyone who tried to direct my choices and control my life.

 

I came to know who I AM — who I was born to be

and to know that what others thought had no power to touch

my personal truth.

 

I no longer sought rewards or accolades.

I no longer sought recognition outside myself.

I no longer focused on worldly success.

I lost, “Congratulate me.”

 

Now, I relish all the sounds of my song —

laughter, joy, melody and harmony, even cacophony.

And I continue to be open to what will come.

 

My world, now, is not one of nothingness

created by my fear

that that was all that I deserved,

by my belief that I didn’t matter.

 

Now, my song it the most important music in my life.

It is the first sound I hear each morning,

the last one I hear each night.

I permeates my dreams.

It is with me always.