I have taken steps to reveal who I am,
though I am not prepared to lose those
who, sometimes, think to themselves
how much they love me.

I've come to find
there is no love in the shadows,
only peace of mind and quiet—
sometimes, at least.

I've painted my truth in the sky,
a mosaic not everyone will cherish.
I’ve opened myself,
laid bare for the world to read.

I have failed.
I've been giving up on myself
in small, imperceptible portions—
but I have failed.

I'll show you the things I've done
when no one was watching,
and I’ll hope for a flicker of satisfaction
when you finally walk away.

I'll know then
who loves even the darkest parts of me.
And perhaps,
I'll finally know love.