I’m not sure if this qualifies as a poem. Poems are so very finicky and subjective. I love the ones that rhyme, but apparently they only need a pattern one person needs to see (usually but not always the author) to qualify. A load of hogwash, but whatever. Perhaps it’s just a piece of writing then. It doesn’t matter, just read it. I’m practically transcribing it from earlier.
I’m afraid.
I’m afraid of dying and want to live.
I’m afraid of living and dream of death.
I’m afraid of waking up because life is terrible.
I’m afraid of falling asleep because I’m embracing lies.
I’m afraid of morning because it means there’s an entire day to not screw up.
I’m afraid of dusk because I’ve done so little with so much.
I’m afraid to speak because I’ll spout stupidity and hurt.
I’m afraid to stay quiet because I don’t want things to get worse.
I’m afraid to explain myself, because nobody will understand me, and I’ll be an even bigger fool.
I’m afraid to explain myself, because someone might understand and realize I have nothing worth saying.
I’m afraid of being outgoing, because others might reject me.
I’m afraid of others being outgoing, because I might reject them.
I’m afraid of starting relationships, because they’ll end.
I’m afraid of settling, because I should’ve waited and found better.
I’m afraid of not settling, because I deserve worse.
I’m afraid of loving, because I might not be loved back.
I’m afraid of being loved, because I might not love them back.
I’m afraid of what I want, because I don’t need it.
I’m afraid of what I was given, because I’ll lose.
I’m afraid of being afraid, because nobody understands this.
I’m afraid everyone understands this, but they’re too afraid like me.
I’m afraid of being alone in fear.
I’m afraid of being fearful with someone.
I’m afraid of trying to explain, of trying to love, of trying to hold. Because I’ll fail.
But I know I must try, even though I’ll fail. Because I don’t want to be afraid anymore.