I wish I could free you, small one.
From the fear that is in your mind
The images there are nothing to fear,
But they’ll long squeeze you tight in a bind.

Speak up! Say your thoughts, though they’re stupid.
The fear is what’s really the cage.
A wrong word won’t mark you forever.
Don’t shut yourself up; just engage.

Don’t elevate others so highly
That you fear to meet them eye to eye.
People are people, I hope you will see,
And they’re making it up on the fly.

The what ifs will strike you as endless
Hidden tragedy in every form.
But much of this life is fair weather;
Don’t lose yourself chasing a storm.

Most things that you fear? They won’t happen.
Go travel and let yourself soar.
The tangles you meet? They’ll unravel.
You’ll be glad that you stepped through the door.

I won’t waste my words on the the big things—
You’ll dive into them and you’ll swim.
My dear, you’ll stand strong when it matters.
You’ll shine when the dragons come in!