The Open Book

The Open Book

I speak my mind, I don’t pretend

what starts in me comes out the end

No secret corners, no locked-up shelf

I tell the truth, I show myself

Some call it brave, some call it loud

but I won’t shrink to please a crowd

If pain walks in, I let it stay

then tell it kindly, walk away

I’ve laughed too hard, I’ve cried too long

I’ve made things right, I’ve got things wrong

But every page is mine to keep

from stormy days to dreamless sleep

They say I should hold back a bit

but I was never made to sit

and bite my tongue or dim my light

I come as fire, not made for flight

You’ll always know just where I stand

I speak with heart, not sleight of hand

I’m not afraid of what you see

This open book is fully me

So take it or just walk on by

I won’t dress truth in sweet disguise

I’m not for show, I’m not for looks

I live my life in honest books