Mothering Myself

I’m afraid that I don’t know enough.

I’m afraid that I haven’t read enough books

or the right books.

I’m afraid of saying the wrong thing or not knowing what to say.

I’m afraid because I still don’t know nearly enough about grammar.

I’m afraid I won’t be taken seriously because

I’m too young, too short, too much girl, not enough woman,

Because even if I was enough woman, I would still be a woman.

I’m afraid because some of my friends and family already think those things.

I’m afraid of the things I can't control.

The things I can never control.

I’m afraid I’m too sensitive for this line of work.

I’m afraid because even sharing this feels scary.

I’m afraid of people knowing how afraid I am.

But I will teach, write, and become anyway.