Keep your chin up.

I know it’s hard seeing me

Live out my dreams.

And I know life is as hard for you

As it can possibly be.

Everything you see of me really is

Just a glimpse into my reality.

All of my smiles are temporary.

Behind that camera is

An unconfident young man.

You would never know

Because I only let you see the highlights.

Since I’m being honest:

I’m insecure, just wishing

She was mine to have.

You would think—since I have a name now—

I wouldn’t have to deal with these scandalous women.

You see promiscuous women everywhere.

I have normal everyday problems, but

You would have never known because

I only let you see the highlights.

I heard your birthday passed.

I’m a couple of days late.

That’s still 17 years around the sun.

I just have one question:

Why would you want to

Give up on your dream?

I know.

I know life can be discouraging.

Sometimes things don’t go as planned.

Don’t let my success be the reason

You want to give up on your dream.

You and me measure success differently.

But you would’ve never known that because

I only let you see the highlights.

I know.

I know it’s easy to

Fall into

My poetic

Rhyme scheme.

At those times,

I’m who

You aspire

To be.

And I guess I am a role model because

I reduced the suicide rate, so I guess

I’m saying it’s cool to aspire and to inspire.

But you be better and be better because

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes.

That’s the main reason

You hear me speaking today.

Use your passion to guide you through.

That’s the same thing I had to do.

This you already knew because

I only let you see the highlights.

Editor’s Note:  Siaheim Rollinson is a new author.  We welcome him to the Cape Fear Voices family.