Why Can’t I by Dionna Carter

Superb people, 

I’m surrounded by them

I peek into their success, screens serenading them with praise

Their dreams they’ve chased, lassoed, overtaken 

That shimmer of audacity gleams in their eyes, refusing to be darkened by doubt - yours, mine…

Even their own

I could never 

But…

Why can’t I? 

Why can’t I be great?

A loud boisterous wave, taking up space, forcing the ocean to acknowledge my presence?

Why can’t my stature rise to meet my potential?

Should I stoop to meet those whose backs have been broken by fear? 

Why can’t I tame failure, domesticating it to suit my needs,

instead of cowering beneath its power?

(and if I’m honest, even that belongs to me)

Why can’t I ascend? So high, the altitude takes my breath, but I keep climbing because my purpose is what’s been fueling my lungs.

Why?

Can’t I?