COURAGEOUS

I was not loud with my strength, I did not roar at fear. I learned to walk beside it, breathing, trembling, still here. I have known nights that asked me to shrink, to harden, to stay. But I chose healing over anger, and peace over words I could say. This is not bravery of one moment, not a flash, not a fight, not a flame. This is courage that wakes every morning and chooses growth over pain. I walked away when love felt heavy, I stayed when healing felt slow. I forgave with shaking hands and learned what it means to grow. So call me courageous, not fearless— for fear has known my name. I simply refused to let it decide the shape of my heart, or my flame. -QUEEN