When I let the gates open

I feel like there is a reservoir

Itching for me to open the gates

I unclasp them

It feels like an electric shock

That I could swim in

I didn't know about the voice

Hidden under the dirty layers of performance

Until it started bursting through the gates

Flooding the streets

Of a town that I knew I had outgrown

There was a sense of peace

Even as I watched the water

Flow past buildings

Drown cars

And nearly covered every stop sign

I could no longer stand behind

The shadows of other people's shoulders

I felt the peace anchor in my being

But another feeling invited itself in my space,

Known as sovereignty

I witnessed the flood

But I didn't shrink

I let myself flow with the water

As other people watch

With fear written on their faces

I could let their judgements stop me

But the deep exhaustion

That comes with pleasing others

Felt nauseating

And I wanted to choose my truth

To speak without falling back into the shadows

I feel the love from my soul

And it's taught me

That no matter what

I can be myself