143. What if I Shine Too Bright?

I have a friend whose greatness shows
who holds herself in doubt
When others give her praise
prefers they whisper but not shout

Afraid she just won't measure up
the way that others see her
She shrinks from praise and accolades
the consummate self-deceiver

Genius concealed, greatness denied
her power held at bay
Her greater self: a lesser self
afraid of what they'll say

In fearing that our flaws
will much too soon be brought to light
We douse our flame, and dim our beam
and dare not shine too bright

But heed not words, both good and bad
(we fear both first and latter)
Embrace the truth of who you are
so others' words won't matter

What If I Shine Too Bright?
Walt’s Life Rhyme #143
© Walt F.J. Goodridge
“I share what I know,
so that others may grow!”
www.LifeRhymes.com

Commentary:
I told her that it's not the responsibility of others to downplay their admiration for her because she is afraid to burst their bubble by being human. The key is to center herself in the single truth of who she is so that neither others' good nor bad opinions will displace her core, and to know that, in the words of George Clinton, “everybody's got a little light, under the sun!” So let it shine for others to see!
Inspired by and Dedicated to Denise C., Z.O., & O.F.