Listened

There was a time

when the voice in my head

tried to tell me to lay the foundation,

strong and firm,

for how the world 

would treat me.

That each decision I make

impacts their will

to use, 

abuse and kill

the olive branches

I seem to sprout every

other 

day. 

But I went in still,

heart on my sleeve,

allowing myself to be

run into the very foundation

I left shaky. 

Left alone only with the lingering whisper

of the voice in my head

that tried to tell me

to lay the foundation - strong and firm. 

I wish I had done more

than just hear its words.

I wish I’d listened.        

                                                             ~N.V.