On Stage

 (c) 11/14/2021

The Star is undeniable—

surrounded by lesser orbs,

by flowers, birds,

glossy-backed beetles,

and bees.

 

She balances jugs of water,

Neither one outweighing the other.

 

I was a star once, up on stage.

In one hand I held a pitcher

of fear and anxiety,

leaned forward to hold back the nausea—

in the other,

gratitude and self-love.

 

For a moment I was bright.

 

Somedays the bucket of fear

weighs more

than my meagre gratitude can balance.

 

Resentment moves in,

Quietly,

eating away my resolve

to love myself.

 

Other days, I shine.