I'm tired.
Tired of speaking self deprecatingly. Tired of telling other people that they are lovely.
I want-
No.
I need to extend that kindness to myself; I need to remember that I am someone that I care about, and I deserve to be loved too.

I'm a beautiful ethereal being.
With veins made of galaxies, and a soul made of light that's consumed by the cosmos.

I am the Earth.
Whose inhabitants destroy them.
The Earth, stubborn, always desperate for reconstruction.

I am the Sun.
Not as beloved or as beautiful as the moon,
Or perhaps blindingly so, people dare not to look.
I am the Sun, always giving never taking, only noticed and loved at its lowest
But still, it shines on.
Unwavering. Strong.

I am Icarus,
Always warned never to fly too high or too low in fear of falling.
I am a foolish Icarus who never listens,
always reaching for something unattainable and falling short.
I am Icarus, the fool dares to try.

My courage isn't some domesticated thing.
It doesn't come when I call it.
I have to find it and hold on to it as tight as I can.
And at this very moment it sits by me.

My name is Josephine Daroy and I AM a beautiful ethereal being.