Changed

I am not the same person
as ten years ago, five years ago.
I am still changing.

I made myself
an exposé of viewpoints,
opinions, priorities
because of different conditions,
tastes, level of thinking.

Growing older did that --
current politics and news, too --
where I'm compelled
to think outside
mainstream thought
thanks to those who educate
about those who suppress,
spread lies.

I roam and wander
through debris,
through mountains of issues
and tons of things that matter,
to find my merits
by virtue of those
who influence me --
through layers of life
still shaping me,
leads me to a perspective,
of what is yet to come.
Though I may be in fear,
I know I can overcome it,
I know I can change
my growth, my fire, desire, hope.
Someone once told me
"You haven't changed a bit."
Yes I have -- significantly.

All we have to fear is fear itself

fear of the unexpected
of predicted storms tomorrow
dreading trips she doesn't want to take
as nervousness brings accidents
afraid to walk around the corner
worried that evil waits in shadows
she hesitates to take one more step
timid of free choice
unable to understand leads to confusion
apprehension of future events
with pointless qualms of perceived danger
doubts, anxiety, trembling, stress
causing social doom upon herself

I want to tell my mother
that troubles can duly disappear
our woes change to relief
taking risks to find out the truth
turn on the light when fate is shadowed
we have the power
to grow like colorful flowers
our reactions stay calm as we know
that this inspires us
as religion of fear disintegrates