Growing Pains

Do you remember as a small child enduring small aches and pains, and some adult would say “you’re having growing pains - this means your growing”
 
I feel like death, an animal caged and wild
My heart is turning to the wolf- breaking, remolding
 
My construct of walls are tumbling, their folding
 
See I have ran from rejection  
Barely able to glance at my own reflection  
 
I put myself out there stripped of feelings and made bare
Asking another to see me and care
And here is the dreaded possibility they may not
Then will I die a little deeper inside
Though hear me I will not run from myself
I will not construct my walls  
I will not put my heart back on a well preserved shelf
Whether they want me or not- this makes no difference  
I was never running from them, I was running from me
I will step aside and let my bones break if they must
Let my heart bleed if it so needs
Honoring my own spirit with reverence  
And if I am broken and feel rejection
I will collect myself amongst the rubble
Put myself together battered and bruised  
I will stand and shout - I have endured the growing pains  
Standing still and falling , arms widely open - I will openly love every soul I encounter- this I promise