The Critic

As I post freely

The critic comes and steals joy

Plants doubt instead, fear

A prisoner born

Loss of hope bound by judgment

Constricted, oppressed

Accepting instead

Lies as truth, dumbed down in chains

Can no longer speak

The critic wins

Greatness to fallen soldier

Loss of self believed

Critic becomes new voice

Heeded out of fear and shame

Don’t risk, locked away

Heeding the critic

Looks safe, comfortable, warm

But harsh taskmaster

Nothing can appease

Cannot speak without judgment

Trapped in self hate

Escape this prison

No longer accept these laws

Listen to true you

The critic won’t stop

Will always give out poison

Up to me to take

Poison accepted

Then chains remain strong, held down

But if rejected?

Can feel peace and joy

Released from can’t, no, bad, worry

True self then revealed

Can breathe, explore, see

Happiness felt everyday

Spread wings, leap, soar high

Never fear critic

Will forever keep you down

Take no heed, reject

Your journey is yours

No one can take if from you

Go, and never look back