At age twelve,

I was afraid of myself.

I could not explain my soul,

or even recognize it,

because I was convinced it was evil.

A childhood bathed in fear and anxiety,

all in the name of holiness, 

almost killed me.

 

Unnatural,

Sinful,

"Just a phase".

 

These suggestions, so minor in apperance, 

left me with a pit in my stomach

that still hasn't fully healed.

It's remarkable how one woman

could help me blossom into being

and ignite the revelation of my truth. 

My savior, Sappho,

 placed me under her ancient wings.

 

Realization, 

Relief, 

All without repentance. 

 

And For the first time in my life, 

I was truly free-

All because of a poetic legacy

that spanned over two millenia.