It's Okay To Shine

You laugh at me because I remain who I am
While you stand with the crowds of the same
You once was a beacon loud and bright
Now, I can't spot you in the Sea of Life

You see, I ain't afraid to shine
Unlike you who thinks different is wrong
Your wanting to be like them is...
Doesn't bring out the light in you.

I wish you could just see the beauty
Of being out of the ordinary
Instead of blending your colors
With those who ask you to change

You say it's easier to pretend to live
A life of a stranger and lies
But sometimes, child,
When you pretend too long you lose yourself

You ask, "Is this me, or the other?"
You wonder what has happened
Why you can't speak...
Why you can't see...

Your lies become a burden
Your mask begins to crack
Which is you?
Which is the stranger?

I tried to darken my light once
Tried to dim it a little bit
But I realized, child, different is good
And it's easier to shine your light as bright as you could.

I hope you realize it too.

[[Authors Note: I found this when I decided it would be an adventure to clean out under my bed, nearly got lost under there. Wrote it on Oct. 3, 2008. Surprising what you could find when you do a little bit of cleaning.]]