Still Here

We all make mistakes 

Some end the conversation 

Some become the place 

where people choose to leave 

Life lies to us in those moments 

whispering that this 

is what we deserve —

a love measured by performance 

a mold we must fit 

or be discarded 

And when we slip 

when we fall short of the shape

someone else demanded 

we become—

in their eyes—

unlovable 

That lie feeds the old hunger:

we err 

we shrink 

we stop loving ourselves 

stop caring for the body

that carries our grief 

stop tending the soul

that still wants to live 

So I need you to stop 

Step outside the box

you were folded into 

See yourself as you are:

loved not despite your mistakes 

but including them 

Worthy of compassion 

Worthy of care 

Worthy of staying 

Stop 

Step out 

I am still here 

I am still loving 

I am still caring 

You are more than the moment

that tried to define you 

More than the choice

you wish you could take back 

More than the story

shame keeps trying to tell 

Reach out 

We are still here 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

September 2, 2026