I dare not look up for fear of the brilliance of the sun,
yet I will never look down either
for I hide from the darkness of the smoky fabric
of my soul.
I do not look forward because I am afraid
that the strings which connect me to what is dear
will break and leave me reeling backwards
like a fish out of water.
I cannot look behind lest I be reminded
of all the mistakes I wish I could take back.
I will not look here or there or at
this or that because I believe I am weak
and lacking in so many things.
But in truth, I am just waiting for
someone to tell me that I am strong
and that I will make it, and that the only place
I need to look is
inside
of myself.