Quiet and Shy

By Sandy Clarisse

Quiet and shy,

I cringe at labels society applies,

Not to uplift and nurture,

But to downgrade and hinder.

Quiet and shy,

Embodying the judgements I reject,

The world's reflections, a mirror effect,

Anchoring the message deeper in my spirit,

A sense of shame I just inherit.

Quiet and shy,

Yet, the same wall I hide behind

Is where I connect with the divine.

The wall itself, my sacred shrine,

To form my inner life's great design.

Quiet and shy,

There lies my strength

In those whispered words against which I fight.

My God-given gifts are entrenched;

A daring expression brought to light,

Where my spirit soars to new heights.

There is power in being shy,

Because silence does shine bright

Amongst the world's many lies.

Self-Acceptance is where my authenticity thrives.