STEP OUT

Step out …

Do you feel it?

The weight

of eyes

looks

glances

They measure

compare

monitor

weigh

judge

They are always watching.

Step out…

Break away from them

the rules

expectations

demands

standards

judgements

Get free.

Wait!

They are not all bad.

Those rules

Those expectations

They safeguard

guide

protect.

They show where danger lies

give boundaries

a guardrail on a mountain trail.

Step out…

They weigh heavy

… when they imprison

external chains

measuring actions

imputing motives

pouncing on failures

pointing fingers

rebuking

shaming

Condemning.

Step out…

Carry desire for excellence

inside

A willing heart

walks the same path lightly

Approval

Encouragement

Conviction with a helping hand

Lifts the weight

Breaks the chains

Releases the ankle monitor 

Lightens the way

Frees the steps

Opens the heart

Step out …

then in…

Step into Freedom.