Filled with self doubt
in a brow beaten world
flee disapproval
escape to your shell
it is comfortable there
Close your mind and mouth
seal your buffeted eyes
bow to the pressure
accept without question
swallow the anger
suck it deep down
lest you come alive
force hard decisions
raging at the system
You are tired
you want to rest
you want to play it safe.
art by Janette Tomanek