AFRAID By Trudie Jackson (Diné)

My mind spins in circles,

Like it did when I was a child spinning on a merry-go-round, my head tilted to the sky,

Escaping into my own world….

Here, in the colonial world, I am often overlooked… passed… glared at.

Oftentimes, I ask myself, “Is it because of who I am? Diné, a person of color, a transwoman of color, Two Spirited….”

Where do I belong?

I sometimes feel afraid to take chances in life.

I remind myself

To follow my dreams, to be who I am,

And remember my ancestors who have endured so much but who were resilient.

Stop being afraid… your time on Mother Earth is only a brief period so be who you are and make a statement.

And stop being afraid!!