{"sf1_id":1925295,"sf2_id":"4nAGEVGe","title":"\"I am Not Afraid\"","author":"MyOwnParasite","words":135,"posted_at":"2022-11-25T15:22:00.000Z","tags":["Fear","Poetry","anxiety","nonfiction","personal","real","relief"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1925295-i-am-not-afraid","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/4nAGEVGe","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/15/50/15508020-2556-45ef-9ee1-61fdb0902980","description":"#2 of Poetry, both old and new\n\nSomething I wrote to help with the anxiety of my first live poetry reading. I even went ahead and read it first. It's surprising when someone so anxious and socially awkward, like me, receives praise and words of encouragement. Some write to make money. Patreon, etc. Me? I just still write for the people, and if you like what I write, all I want is to hear your thoughts. Writing should be created for those who enjoy it, not purely for profit. \"Art for Art's sake\" , as it were","content":"I Am not Afraid\n\nBy Ken Anderson, 15 March, 2019.\n\nAh, yeah, there it is...  \nIt's been years; too long.  \nThe memory has faded,  \nBut the desire remains.  \n  \nIt's that feeling I've missed;  \nSuch sweet, silent songs,  \nSuch emotions debated,  \nNo more clouds in my brain.  \n  \nJust a painless, empty bliss.  \nI can smile, and fantasize,  \nAnd feel the warm sun's kiss  \nAs I breathe and close my eyes.  \n  \nSuch a blanket never sewn,  \nCan bring me this warmth.  \nConfidence I've never known,  \nAnd some feeling of worth.  \n  \nFinally,\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I belong!  \nI'm here! Can you see me?  \nNothing's wrong; not now,  \nI can just stand here, and BE.  \n  \nTonight, when they hear me,  \nTheir ears filled with wonder,  \nI shall stand and deliver,  \nAnd quiver no more.  \n  \n\nI am here.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;I exist.  \n\nAnd I am not afraid.  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"Poetry, both old and new","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1925270-respect.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1925502-heroin-eyes.json"}}