In every momentThere is a critique under my tongueVitriol lies in wait inside my mouthTrying to escape as wordsBack into my ears Telling me I am not as goodAs smartOr prettyTelling me I don’t deservethe peace I so desireBut youShut my mouth and fill my thoughtswith affirmations so thickI spit them out on accidentYou replace doubt with courageand I am a bird uncagedFree to live daringlyKnowing I’m enoughBecause you told me so  _______________________________Photography: Photo by Alex Holyoake on Unsplash