Shedding the Shackles

...and so I hope you free yourself from the shackles of spirit crushers,

The confidence killers that cast doubt like shadows.

The projectors.

Cut your ears so you hear not the whispers of body shamers.

Let not the misery of souls dim your radiant smile,

For they dwell in frowns,

unable to comprehend your ear-to-ear smiles.

Their standards lofty, yet out of reach.

They dwell in unhappiness, you cannot save them,

but from their shadows, you can find your way.

Let not their compass guide your feet astray,

for in your heart whispers, find your own way.

Believe me so, their validation is not the oxygen of your existence.

…and so I hope you don’t hide in your shell when they bark.