Scared
~~~
My mind plays tricks on me
The kind without a laugh
Spirits haunting memory
As I walk my solemn path
~~~
In all the words written
This is what goes unsaid
All the things that came before
And where those things have led
~~~
Even with the closest friends
The ones I hold most dear
I have no words to share with them
When it is time to speak of fear
~~~
An outward, inner strength
What they see as unafraid
Is all my fears well hidden
A character well portrayed
~~~
There is little hope of change
Little hope that one safe day
I will find the courage lacked
Truth spoken in the words I say
~~~
You share your fears so openly
In hopes of the others to save
Whatever you may think of mine
Your words are much more brave
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
each person has their own way of sharing hard things and in their own time. no reason to compare oneself to others. each person had their own experience and were impacted in different ways.
Always a voice of wisdom. Thank you, Beth!
Fear is scary to share. Just because you read words you think are brave, does not mean there are fears those writers don’t share.
My dear friend, you are the bravest man I know. If it were required of you, you would run towards gun fire to save someone. While I am sure there are others who would willingly do the same, they are far and few between.
Just stating that you have fears you can’t bring yourself to openly share with the world makes you brave.
I know you always say I’m too kind, but I hope you know my words are honest and sincere.
As always, your poem was beautifully written, and tugged at my heartstrings.
Sending love and hugs your way! ❤😘
I know your words are always honest and sincere. I appreciate your candid nature. I just do not see myself in the same light that your perspective offers. Thus, your praise always seem too kind to me. I guess I am just not great at fielding compliments. But I do always appreciate your comments! ❤
I get that. I’m not always the best at accepting compliments for the same reason. We are all our own harshest critics. This is another subject we could unpack and discuss for hours. To be clear, I never felt like you didn’t appreciate my words, I just wanted you to know that I don’t add fluff simply for the sake of it. You may not see yourself in the same light I do, but I’m sure many others do. Regardless, I am always happy to show you what I see.
Brother dearest, You know I have always – and will always – wish for you to find the courage to share the burdens that you carry so heavily on your shoulders. Be aware, in the meantime, that others (read that as meaning me) aren’t sharing those vulnerabilities out of lack of fear, but out of lack of strength to carry them alone anymore. I know your concern is that people will change how they feel about you if you release that inner turmoil. Some will, and that’s testament to who THEY are, not who YOU are. You’re stuck with people like me who are going to love you and be there for and with you no matter what!
You have been, and will always be, a true blessing in my life. Love you, sis!
It seems we’re taught never to act vulnerable as this seems to make us appear weak, even though it’s often the opposite as revealing our true feelings offers more courage.
That is certainly true, my friend! Thank you!
it’s hard to share the words that make us appear vulnerable, but doing so could be exactly what we need…
I can’t argue with that. Thank you, Jim!