Lurking in the dark corner of the room
a person stares at me.

The critical voice of an adult
index finger wagging.

You should not be this way.
What is wrong with you?
You are stupid!

The voice echoed with a tone of superiority
crushing the young soul.

Willing to face the critical voice,
the fear and threat of humiliation
are transmuted into courage. 

Focused eye of a child
now in an adult body
looks toward the dark corner.

I am no longer afraid of you! 

I do not need your approval!

I forgive you!

I allow me
to be comfortable
with me!

I am more than I ever imagined! 

Copyright . 2012 by Shervin Hojat