Be Yourself

Somewhere there is a backyard.
You know what it looks like.
You know what it sounds like.
You know the parties you have had there.
The things you have done there.
The things you wanted to do but never had the nerve.
It knows you.
And you know it.

You don't have to wear what other people wear,
Or think what they think.
Or look the way they look.
You should be yourself because that is scary enough.
Smell like you smell.
Look like you look.
Jump off a bridge
If there is more that 15 feet of water
And you know how to swim really really well.

Be yourself,
No matter how strange
Or frightening
Or disturbing
That self may be.

Believe in something.
True love, maybe.
Intelligent life on this planet, perhaps.
Yourself.
Your mother.
Your father's cooking.
Something.

Labels are for jars,
And you are not a jar.
Your life,
As far as you know,
Is your own.
Anything can happen.
Will happen
Does happen. If you have the nerve.

You do.

This poem is about inspiration. It was meant to encourage each individual to stand up for their beliefs and to defy the standards of society. Be yourself. Because you alone are great.