Confidence Poem by Jade Leven

you called and said
you wanted to see me
and you were walking up my street

no warning

you were there
and you looked at me
as if you either didn't like me
or didn't know me

you know me
you just don't know the real me

smart, strong, confident
not at all scared or hesitant
I wonder if you could see
that I only hugged you because
I didn't want to surprise you
with a handshake
but if it had been someone else
I simply would have said,
'It's good to see you.'
and I would shake their hand
but you hugged me
so I hugged you back
after all,
we used to do that
we used to...

do you know how I felt?
my legs were shaking
as I walked to were you stood
my heart was breaking
but it almost felt good

do you know that I was happy
for you to see me?
with my new haircut
and wearing the latest clothing
and my smile was brighter and happier
my actions and words were almost professional...
except for the hug

and when I turned to leave
I walked a little better
than I normally do
but my legs weren't shaking anymore
I walked like a confident person

to have confidence around you,
I know I have come so far
and with that walk I said,
'Look at me. Look at what
you have left behind.
Don't you wish
that you hadn't?
Too late now.
I don't need you.
I have confidence.'

That's what I said with my walk.

and without saying a word,
not one single word,

I've said everything
I ever needed to say.