The First Time

The first time you glimpse footage, you’re afraid of what you’ll see.

The first time you ask self things, you’re afraid what change might be.

The first time someone questions, you’re afraid to answer true.

The first time you share thoughts, you’re afraid what friends might do.

The first time you’re alone, you’re afraid that won’t be new.

The first time you seek allies, you’re afraid they’ll reject, too.

The first time you are vocal, you’re afraid you’re frowned upon.

The first time you take action, you’re afraid what road you’re on.

The first time you go back, you’re afraid it won’t be same.

The first time you’ve success, you’re afraid you rigged the game.

The first time you do outreach, you’re afraid someone will sneer.

The first time allies need you, you’re afraid how wrong you’ll steer.

The first time you brief others, you’re afraid they’ll see a fake.

The first time you judge poorly, you’re afraid trust you’ll forsake.

The first time you take leadership, you’re afraid head-on you’ll swerve.

The first time they forgive you, you’re afraid you don’t deserve.

The first time days get darker, you’re afraid sun won’t return.

The first time you get tired, you’re afraid what fate you’ll earn.

The first time friends grow fewer, you’re afraid what that might mean.

The first time you feel broken, you’re afraid that’s how you’re seen.

The first time you get strength back, you’re afraid of phantom hope.

The first time new friends trust you, you’re afraid how long they’ll cope.

The first time things get brighter, you’re afraid of tricks in light.

The first time some prove elsewise, you’re afraid you once did right.

The first time you go back again, you’re afraid things aren’t so tragic.

The first time you find voice again, you’re afraid it still has magic.

The first time you find rhythm again, you’re afraid things could be fine.

The first time you saves lives again, you’re afraid this might be a sign.

…

Activism seems a journey of unending firsts.

But oftentimes, first good things scare us.