This new chapter needs your focus. Not your perfection, just your presence.
I waited for a "go, do it," but all that came was "boy, don't do it."
I waited for a "yeah, that's my boy," but all I heard was "shit, what you're doing is shit."
I kept waiting for their acceptance, until hope faded like the day into the darkness of the night.
And so, I accepted myself, invited myself, and cheered myself.
To say it right, the cake was baked by me, and eaten by me. Full stop.