Take One Step Forward If This Sounds Like You.
You’ve Been Brave in Ways No One Ever Saw
Come forward— Do you trust? Step forward, If you've been told to smile, To quiet down, To not run wild. Take a step forward, If you've felt invisible In a room full of eyes. Take a step, If you've worn someone else's shame. And made it your silent blame. Another step— If you've ever lied About who you are Because it was easier to hide than to spar. Step forward, If you've had to start over. In a new town. A new tongue. With only hope and the air in your lungs. Take one more step If you've ever been afraid To take a step at all. Now— Look around. This is the map Of where we've been, Not who we are. And each footstep Tells a story, Not of distance— But of how far. Come closer. So, now—what are you afraid of?
Make meaning, move forward and determine your attitude. I like
This is a brilliant and inspirational piece, my friend. There’s a deep gentleness in the way it names different kinds of hidden bravery, starting over, being silenced, feeling invisible, carrying someone else’s shame. Each stanza feels like a mirror, reflecting truths we don’t often speak aloud. And by the end, it rises into a quiet crescendo of empowerment, without ever needing to shout.
Lines like “This is the map of where we’ve been, not who we are” and “Each footstep tells a story, not of distance, but of how far” are incredibly moving. They capture the essence of healing, not about how quickly we move, but how deeply we’ve grown.
The repetition and imagery are beautiful. It reads like a soft anthem for those who’ve endured quietly, and that’s exactly what gives it so much emotional weight. Honest, tender, and exquisitely written.
It’s one of those poems that truly sees you. That line,“This is the map of where we’ve been, not who we are”,gave me chills. Such a powerful reminder that our past doesn’t define us, our persistence does. Thank you for writing this. A truly stunning, healing piece of poetic storytelling. 🌿❤️💛🫶🏻✨