The World Needs You As You Are

The next time

you refuse to sing

because you’ll never

fill a stadium

or decline the joy of dance

for fear of looking

ridiculous

or you resist risking

the new adventure

because you’re

not entirely ready or

you dim your shine

because you’re not

completely healed and whole

the next time

you hold yourself suspect

because you’re not

entirely qualified

just remember

a bird doesn’t sing

because it’s talented

a bird sings because

it has a song

the moon doesn’t only shine

when it’s whole

it can show up with

a single sliver of itself

and still light an entire

night sky

show up. sing. shine.

the world needs you

as you are .

~ Angi Sullins

~ Art by Sam Toft