so many people
would much rather
keep it quiet..
than speak it loud!
when nobody else
may even listen..
when their heart
is overfilled
with doubt.
and especially
when reputations
are at stake..
so many people
choose to
shrink themselves
and play it fake.

well.. I am not
among them.
if you wish I were..
good riddance to you!
sayonara! and so long!
I only care
to keep the people
in my life
who offer me
the space..
to unapologetically
sing my song.

To those of you
who hear me well..
of openness and liberty
I am the chiming bell.
A boundless source
of inspiration, love,
and tragico-comedic
repose.
But in the other’s side..
I’m more than happy
once again..
to be a prickly thorn
upon a rose.