One Poem Only is a daily poetry podcast offering a quiet moment with a single poem—read aloud, without analysis or noise.

HomecomingKara DobiasThe world wants to be kind, I think.But too often, we are warned of its dangersbefore we can meet its light.I learned to live in the shadowof others’ fear and felt it manifestas my own,self-censoring the softestparts of me out of safety,but I’m becoming something new.I don’t want to be good so much as brave.To make the agreement to be disagreeablewhen it counts.If I am to be beholden to anything,let it betruth,so that I may stand as a pillar of a womanyou can lean on.I’ll lay myself bare,and for once, not worry aboutthe consequences.Instead, I’ll choose to embracethe perfect contradictionI know myself to be.The very version of me I learnedto outrun.You can only ignore the gnawing of your soul for so long.So, who have I been denying myself for?An internal tug-of-war that has stood onlyto hurt me.To be a beacon of sincerity,I must show you my true face.I’m easily disillusioned by the mundane.The creator runs deep in my marrow.Left an untapped well,I become undone.I need something I can pour into.That’s the only wayI feel whole.I was never meant to live within the boundsof a limited imagination.I came here to break the mold.This is the end of my season of seeking.No more performing to be palatable.I give myself permission to feel safein being seen.Let opinions fall where they may.I’d rather inspire confusionthan be a vessel for unfulfilled dreams.Finally, I’ve come hometo me.

More from Kara Dobias ↓

• @karadobias on Instagram
• @karadobias on Substack
• Her book, Alive, is available now

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