...

I live in fear, and that's it.

I, rather than my friends who take adventurous long walks alone,

Choose to stay inside and wonder what's wrong with me.

But do I even choose it when it feels like a default?

I can choose better, the things I desire and know I am capable of,

The things I want to give myself to but not because I've been taught to give,

Constantly, effortlessly, wholeheartedly, without complaint or rest

As a woman,

But because I know that in a world where everyone helps,

The helped will become helpers and builders who empower helpers and

Calm the fears of the needing-to-be-helped.