This pressure from within, so without

Unable to decipher where it all began

Choices I made

Or others’ decisions I forgave?

Wanting it all for everybody

Throughout the process became nobody

Personal opinions no longer profound

So I hid them underground

What once shined bright

Covered by the darkness of night

Fear of persecution

Or not being “right”

Wish now back then I had this insight

Diamonds are formed under pressure

You always surpassed their weight

No amount of Karat

Can be measured to the merit, strength and quality you equate.

KAM 11/28/2022