I long to stay true to myself
For in my essence, I’ve always belonged. 
Yet here I am, in a dance of the mind, 
Tossing and pondering, the truth I want to find.
Is this real, or another dead end?
Am I being honest or caught in a lie? 
The uncertainty lingers, a weight on my chest, 
My voice unclear, now a whisper, at best. 

I’m usually certain of my actions 
And never before have I questioned my aim.
But now, in this moment, the shadows of doubt, 
Make me pause and think, I might shout. 
Will distance reveal the truth of our fate? 
Or does exploration hold the keys I seek? 
I fear making choices that lead me astray, 
The last thing I want is to stumble again. 

Mariam Shittu