fear tells me to
grip
to hold the rope
until my skin
rips,
even through the
burning
in my fists

too many words
escape my
lips
I won't allow
stillness
I can't let myself sit
no period:
just an ellipse

honestly
i'm truly afraid
to let this rope slip
through my
fingertips
I fear I'll be
caught in the
tide's rips
I am
eclipsed
by the insecurity
that started this

but the truth is
flipped
I can trust
that I am equipped
to let go
to survive the waves
and dips
I am whole,
not chipped

and
loosening my
grip
will be my
flagship.