you, the one who is not

as fresh faced as once upon

a time. you, the one who

is disillusioned or just

plain tired. you, the one

who started out spreading

love like butter, but did

not love yourself much

in return.

 

i want to tell you that you

are not on your way out

or on the downside of

some metaphorical hill,

you are growing into

what you wanted to

become all along.

 

you have discarded the dross,

the parts of yourself that

caused others pain.

improved your character,

healed past hurts,

learned to prioritize,

made important life

connections,

 

and now is your time to shine.

you are not on your way out,

you have just found your way

in–into your own skin in a way

that you never have before.

 

so, celebrate this victory,

bask in the glow of your not

small at all accomplishments.

take the time to look back and

remember just how far you have

come.

 

then go out into the present,

remember who you are,

straighten your shoulders,

and sparkle unfettered

as starlight.

 

©Heather Pound 2023