These are the words that have been guiding my growth.

you are safe 
enveloped by the warm embrace
of peers, of family, of your own mind 
for once 
there is no unfathomable uphill battle
and the pebbles and holes that litter the path ahead lack the ability to hold you
you are safe 

you are protected 
by the winds, and the water, and the aura
that you exude into the most solemn spaces
for once 
there is a steady hand at the wheel
with nails painted in a color only you could recognize 
and calluses that hold memories only you can share
you are protected

you are sexy
like silk black lingerie 
ready to be peeled from smooth skin
and the entrigue you hold 
can only be revealed by the fables of the past
can only be challenged by your hopes for the future
an energy undefined 
and aspiring to be opened 
you are sexy

you are safe 
from all weapons formed against you
you are protected 
by all weapons formed by your own hand
you are sexy 
to all you encounter 
but now observing having reached higher land
looking down on the pebbles
wearing silk torn at every seam
no longer desperate to be opened up
and only now willing to be seen

Process

This piece was written due to the Girls Write Now playlist inspired prompts about affirmations. It seemed only fitting to include the affirmations that have helped me persevere most recently. You are safe. You are protected. You are sexy. These words have cemented in my head. I have grown to a place where I can say these words with such certainty that they have become embedded in all of my dreams for years to come. They have since taught me that the only way to truly grow is to give your past self credit for all that you have overcome.