pride

there can’t be fear in being known.
that level of vulnerability isn’t healthy.

hence. what I am proud to stand up for and be.

a man
who banks with an ethical credit union-owned bank
who befriends those otherwise not befriended
who melts at the sight of neon green
who worships those with hope and idealism
who wants nothing more than simple happiness
who connects with the universe in his own manner
who writes prolifically, if not well
who wants success for those without
who needs to feel welcome to feel whole
who bends over backwards for the needs and wellness of friends
who challenges himself daily to be better at everything
who desires only the problems be swift in their resolution
who surrounds himself with people of inspiring characters
who lives life at fully as capable at this point
who trusts that things always do have a bright side
who truly wants and believes the glass is half-full
who smiles quietly alone at the beauty of it all
who wishes for stars to shine brightly in constellations
who sees clearly a future made for those with grand aspirations
who reads and contemplates the works of others
who listens intently to the rhythms of the world
who bathes in the sunlight, in the ocean and in dreams
who doesn’t feel guilty for flowery language
who doesn’t have self-doubt about my own consciousness anymore.

that, my friend, adds up to pride.