My Time Keeps Knocking

I test places because one room steadies me while another fills my head with borrowed static and hurry,
I test places learning that what nourishes someone else may drain me before I name the feeling,
I test places refusing to shame myself for needing conditions that let my mind breathe honestly,
I test places, am I forcing myself into noise just to look adaptable to others,
I test places until I find where my inner voice stops whispering…

I watch currents moving through crowds and trends without handing them the keys to my direction,
I watch currents curious about what people chase while guarding the right not to chase it too,
I watch currents letting culture brush past me without stitching itself onto my skin,
I watch currents am I just observing the movement or getting carried because standing still feels lonely,
I watch currents and learn distance can also be a form of belonging…

I lower voices, the inner ones that recite old verdicts whenever I approach something meaningful to create,
I lower voices, the ones that call me late or lacking or foolish before I have even begun,
I lower voices, because fear loves to sound practical when it wants to keep me small,
I lower voices, am I hearing truth right now or only an old wound using my memory,
I lower voices, and a clearer rhythm starts tapping beneath the noise…

I step forward, when the hour arrives asking participation instead of another polished excuse,
I step forward, knowing readiness often comes after movement and rarely before it,
I step forward, carrying doubt beside me rather than waiting for it to disappear politely,
I step forward, can I honor this calling without needing everyone around me to agree,
I step forward, because my time keeps knocking whether I answer or not, and delay does not stop the hour from passing…

Watchwords:
Where my inner voice stops
Distance can be belonging
Old wound using my tongue
Readiness comes after movemen
My time keeps knocking