You will Never be Great (and why that's okay)

This poem was written as an apology to my former self.

We are all brought up to believe that we, personally, are destined for greatness. It's in the movies we watch, the books we read, the words spoken to us... I have had to learn that greatness doesn't mean being the best, leaving a legacy, or fulfilling dreams. I apologize to my very disappointed young self that I will never be all that she wants. But, greatness could never fulfill one whom goodness could not satisfy.

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I’m sorry you will never be great.

You will never lift audiences off their feet to surround you with thunderous applause.

You will not have secured your legacy by the time you turn eighteen.

You will not hold the sweet indulgence of importance between your jaws.

All your traits will not be known, all your works will not be seen.

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I’m sorry the footprints you leave will be washed away overnight.

I’m sorry the darkness you grieve won’t be noticed by those in the light.

Not everyone will love you; not everyone will care:

Your name washed away in the rain, nature decomposing each last hair.

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But someone will stand when they clap; some see your night even with Sun.

Walking a few steps behind, your footprints were noticed by someone.

I’m sorry you’ll never be great, but there’s greatness found in good.

Whether the world saw or not, for a moment you owned where you stood.