Coming Up Short

“I never stay down. Soon, I’ll gather up
these pieces and hold my ground again.”

I’ve tried so hard to live up to the person I wanted to become. And though at times I see how I’ve overcome so many obstacles, and even defied every blockade that stood in my way, I still feel as though I’ve come up short. Maybe if I remind myself more than a few dozen times a day. Or when I feel like a failure. Maybe then, I’ll see what you claim to see beyond these weak and weary bones. A heart full of love, light, and hope. But for now, this is what I am. Flaws and all. I’ll still do what I can, but I’m tired. I’m bruised. I’m feeling beaten down into the ground. At the very least, I can thank you for being here for me through the good and the bad.

© Sarah Doughty

I never stay down for long.
So just wait. I’ll gather
up the pieces and hold
my ground again.