Never leave the good stuff on the shelf

my mantra.

I’ve always wanted
to get my hands dirty
when I love,
when I live,
when I work
throw in my heart
feel a little hurt

wrap myself up
in everything
work my ass off to make something change
and last
make beauty
from a tainted past

leave pieces of myself
everywhere
reveal myself
layer by layer

learn trust
earn trust
have the confidence
to open up

never run scared
be there
in the moment
love my self
and own it

wear my wounds
with wisdom
and peace
know when to be strong
and when to be weak

keep going
when I want to give up
live for living
and not for stuff

grow inside
but never age
hold it all together
and still be crazed
and laughing

pour myself out
take the risk
seek forgiveness
know how to forgive

spread my wings
with my roots intact
make my own decisions
about fiction and fact

make something
of everything
except what I let go
make use of what I go through
and everything I know

do what I love
and not what I’m told
challenge stereotypes
break a few molds

live a life
that will testify for itself

and never leave the good stuff
sitting on the shelf.