In a world where hoops keep moving

I’m now content with where I stand

Some say, “jump”

I say, “no thanks”

Bare feet now firmly on the land

My image won’t define me

My looks should be looked past

My reflection still deceives me

I turn away

and in

and fast

For what lies beneath my surface

Are the parts I wish to share

My heart craves a true connection

My soul aches for what is fair

And when you speak to me, I’ll listen

Intently

I’ll want more

I’ll urge you (without pressure)

To leave inhibitions at the door

Because your story is worth telling

I want to hear what makes you, ‘you’

What lights a fire underneath you?

What makes you tick?

What do you do?

And not just what earns you money

But what sets your soul ablaze?

What hobbies make your life worthwhile?

What sparks the joy amidst your days?

And what parts have tried to break you?

What’s knocked you to the floor?

What helped you find the courage

To stand back up

And ask for more

I’ll even dig much deeper;

If you let me

If you’ll share

Like the songs you play to dance to,

When no one else is even there

And to really, truly know you,

Tell me even more

The good

The bad

The ugly

The beautiful

Explore

My curiosity?

It’s bottomless

I’m thirsty, and I’m true

I mean it when I show I care

It’s just something that I do

And maybe I’ve decided

To be the woman that I craved

Subconsciously a haven

Like those for me who surely saved

The young girl who was fearful

Unwanted

And unseen

One who didn’t have a voice

A choice

Or a sturdy place to lean

So I’ll stay steadfast in my kindness

In my support

In all I do

With the hope you’ll be at ease with me

And in response I will be, too