Stop Hiding Poem by Mark Heathcote

Stop hiding in another's long-shadow
And start to occupy a new tomorrow
It's often seen that fallen trees give light
Enough for seedlings to grow upright.

Start by casting your own beam of light
Stay true to yourself. And learn how to fight
Believe in all you do and say, and stay true.
But ultimately, don't beholden in lieu-

To any self-doubt that harbours your fears.
So let's strikeout out and be like our peers
But let's not forget we are a
-Different kind; a very different sway.

Of that lowly shadow that isn't wasn't you
From which you were felled who never grew.
What did you do… or more importantly
What didn't you, do… not to hide or flee?

Stop hiding in another's long-shadow
And start to occupy a new tomorrow
It's often seen that fallen trees give light
Enough for seedlings to grow upright.

Start by casting your own beam of light
Stay true to yourself. And learn how to fight
Else, you'll step back into the dimness
What we're reaching for isn't roofless

That canopy of which we're all apart
Is our family and together we shoulder
The blame and the glory and then depart.
More than the last we develop braver.