Predators

I feel like I’ve just entered a fairy tale

As I’m trying to take in each detail

There’s splendor I’ve not realized before

As I journey along this forest floor

Before here, was dark in comparison

Lacking the luster of this location

A place that offered no reason to hope

Where my soul felt abandoned and alone

I’m so enamored I don’t consider

That there could possibly be danger here

Right on cue, my ego awakens

Feeding me that bull shit story again

“Proceed with caution, be very aware

There’s vipers and predators everywhere!

They can sense your insecurity and fear

Since you know you don’t deserve to be here”

But today I sense an intervention

I feel Spirit summons my attention

“Enough is enough, you make us weary

When you believe this destructive story!

“You entered life with a contract in place

Your memory of before was erased

Your desire was to experience

Low self-esteem, self-love and confidence

“From before your birth, you orchestrated

Who will star in this life you created

There were many willing to assist you

Providing you obstacles to work through

“Clearly, this was a challenging lesson

Since it has returned again and again

But life is a gift so don’t waste it

And start rising above all this bull shit

“Those predators and vipers you perceive

Only have power because you believe

That they’re stronger, more powerful than you

And their judgement determines what you do

“But look closer, see them for whom they are

Backup players to support you, the star

Thank them all for playing their roles so well

They were convincing, even to themselves”

I obeyed, one by one I thanked them each

For all their efforts in strengthening me

They worked hard using intimidation

Judgement, mockery and domination

Spirit whispers, “Now look at them once more

See if they appear the same as before”

I do and am alarmed at what I see

Their venom had little to do with me

By putting me down, it made them feel tall

Since, in their eyes, they see themselves as small

If I stayed distracted, I wouldn’t see

That they’re riddled with insecurity

What a messed-up cycle this has become

It’s time to state, “Let this lesson be done”

And now for practical application

I’m given this gift for graduation

I proceed through this forest, cautiously

More than aware of eyes looking at me

I tell myself, “There’s no reason to fear

For I, like them, deserve to pass through here”

Up ahead, I see dancing in the light,

Beautiful beings that gracefully glide

Theirs a gift I’d always admired

But one that my soul never acquired

I stayed in the shadows watching this scene

As musicians began surrounding me

On one side, athletes illuminated

Then singers and many more were highlighted

Then they all stopped as he walked toward me

I felt nervous sitting in this hot seat

He said, “Take a look at everyone here

And know they, too, have experienced fear”

I did, they all appeared so confident

I can’t fathom anything different

“They all arrived in this enchanted place

By overcoming doubts they also faced”

Their heads were all nodding in agreement

“Here they thrive without concern of judgement

Though the gifts you possess may not be theirs

They’re eager for you to join them and share”

They’d all returned to the passion of their souls

Since they believe it, they are beautiful

Their high vibration elevated me

I wanted to join in their reverie

I was handed a pen, began to write

As I, too, found myself in a spotlight

As my fear of other’s judgement withdrew

My ability and confidence grew