Still Here

A calm, grown-up declaration of feelings delivered without drama, ultimatums, or emotionally inaccurate jazz hands.

I didn't have the language then, 

I barely knew my name, 

I hid inside the quieter parts 

And called it all the same. 

I kept my heart in folded notes 

I never meant to send, 

Afraid that if I named it true 

It might just have to end. 

But I've done the work to stand here now, 

I've learned what love can be, 

I'm not asking you for anything — 

Just letting you see me. 

I'm done with hiding in the wings, 

Done shrinking out of view, 

I'm standing in the open now 

With all I feel for you. 

I'm here, and I'm not turning back, 

Not folding up in fear, 

If you reach, I'll meet you halfway

But either way, I'm here. 

Not pushing, not demanding, 

Not asking you to choose, 

Just standing where my truth is

With nothing left to lose. 

I didn't rush to say these things,

I waited till they were true, 

I needed time to learn myself 

Before I reached for you. 

I've earned the right to offer this, 

To speak it calm and clear, 

Not loud, not wild, not desperate 

Just quietly… still here. 

I'm here, and I'm not turning back, 

Not folding up in fear, 

If you reach, I'll meet you halfway

But either way, I'm here. 

No fireworks, no grand display, 

No promise carved in stone, 

Just love that stands in daylight 

And isn't hiding anymore.