The shadow of Never Ever

I used to live in the shadow of Never Ever, A fortress built on fear, cloaked as clever. Its walls were whispers, stay here, you’re safe. A kingdom of caution, my self-made place. The gates were sealed with what ifs and don’t try. I gazed at the stars but stayed earthbound, shy. Dreams dissolved in the moat of my doubt, Convinced the world was better shut out. But one soft breeze carried a daring tune, A song of maybe, lit by the moon. It rustled the leaves of my rooted despair, And planted a question, what if you dare? I lingered a moment, heart heavy with fright, But the echo persisted, maybe I just might. With trembling hands, I unlatched the door, And stepped into a world unknown, unsure. The sky split open, wide as my will, Each maybe a spark, each step a thrill. Mountains unfolded, oceans revealed, Paths I’d imagined, now unconcealed. The Never Ever crumbled behind, Its safety a chain I no longer mind. For life’s vast wonder is boundless, untamed, And fear is a beast that can be unclaimed. So here I stand, in the golden light, No longer confined by never or might. For I’ve found my strength in the daring unknown, And made this wide, wild world my own.