Hello, Fear

We’ve been well acquainted

throughout the years,

but I’ve never considered you a friend.

What have you been trying to teach me?

To take calculated risks,

to protect myself,

to not go too far,

feel too much,

or jump without a parachute?

I have listened,

but sometimes not.

Sometimes I haven’t jumped at all.

Other times I left my parachute behind

thinking I didn’t need it anymore,

but then saw the error of my ways.

But now I shake your hand,

and introduce myself.

I’m ready.