PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING

Poem

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

This is an official notice.

Please pause whatever you are doing

and read the following message carefully.

Failure to pay attention

may result in the loss of something important

you cannot replace.

Attention is requested from anyone

who has been carrying heavy thoughts

in a quiet heart.

To those who wake up tired

even after a full night of rest,

this announcement applies to you.

Notice is hereby given

that pretending to be strong at all times

is no longer required.

Your exhaustion has been documented.

Your silence has been recorded.

Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,

even if no applause followed them.

Warning:

Continuing to ignore your own pain

may lead to emotional shutdown,

loss of direction,

and the slow fading of dreams

you once held tightly.

This is not meant to frighten you,

but to inform you.

Effective immediately,

you are permitted to feel deeply

without explaining yourself.

You may take breaks

without feeling lazy.

You may walk away from places

that shrink your spirit

and still be considered brave.

Public advisory to all listeners:

Stop measuring your worth

by the speed of others.

Some journeys are longer

because they are shaping stronger people.

Notice to those who feel behind in life:

You are not late.

You are not broken.

You are simply moving

at a pace designed for your survival.

Warning issued to negative voices—

both external and internal:

Your authority is no longer valid.

Your permission is not required.

This announcement also serves

as a reminder that healing

is not a straight line.

Some days you will feel powerful.

Other days you will feel fragile.

Both states are acceptable.

Both mean you are alive.

Final notice:

Do not ignore this message

and return to self-neglect.

There may not be another warning

delivered with this level of honesty.

This has been a public announcement

for anyone learning how to choose themselves

without guilt.

You may now proceed

with compassion,

with courage,

and with the understanding

that you are allowed to become more

than your past.