And Still Take Care of Myself

 

We learn from the start to perform and to please,

To look good to others, to put them at ease,

By four we are already fearful of blame,

We trade our own hearts just to stay in the game.

 

“A part of me would like to say ‘yes’ to you now,

And even believes that I should do it somehow,

But I don't know how to do that, indeed I confess,

And still take care of myself, my first job to address.”

 

Cummings called it the hardest of battles to fight,

To be nobody-but-yourself, both day and the night,

But name the true weapon that keeps people tame:

The terror of losing praise, or getting blamed.

 

Follow your heart, we are told, but whose heart is it?

Those internalized judges who never quite quit?

The committee moved in and stopped saying its name,

And calls itself conscience — the rules stay the same.

 

“A part of me would like to say ‘yes’ to you now,

And even believes that I should do it somehow,

But I don't know how to do that, indeed I confess,

And still take care of myself, my first job to address.”

​

No battle is needed once you see it plain,

Self care and care for them need not cause you pain,

Those fears are paper tigers that fade step by step,

And courage asks less of you as you become more adept.

 

This one sentence holds honesty, self-respect, and more,

Showing genuine respect for the one at your door,

Three gifts in one phrase, both courageous and clear,

Taking care of yourself, while still holding them dear.

 

“A part of me would like to say ‘yes’ to you now,

And even believes that I should do it somehow,

But I don't know how to do that, indeed I confess,

And still take care of myself, my first job to address.”