The Sting

How did your face react?

did your eyes dim

did your cheeks burn

and what about your tongue

could you say anything

did you want to?

can you remember the first person

who taught you shame

did you feel powerless?

I so often do.

Shame has a way of taking you hostage

you want to be smaller

to fold in on yourself.

You were taught to shrink

when you deserved to be 

lovingly

taught how to grow