It's okay to stay inside my shell-- to be quiet, still, and close to myself. I don't have constantly to spell out my status for everyone else. Like a turtle, I can wait with quiet as my shield and home until I'm ready to relate, calmer for the time alone.
In the notebook
This one took a few tries—and the concept will probably generate a few more poems, at least, before I’m done with it, because of how important this learning is being in my life. (My recent poem “It’s okay to stay in here” was another similar attempt.) (For more about the content I’m working with, see my essay “Speaking Less, Sparkling More.”) Claiming the right to speak less is significantly improving my quality of life!!
My former therapist (who was awesome--I only stopped seeing her because she left the practice and moved out of state) always used to remind me to "take it turtle slow," so I can definitely relate to the metaphor here! And I love seeing your revision process, as I've got some *rough* attempts from this month that need some work. ✨🐢