Your Own Rhythm Poem by Jaishree Nair

Never give the reins of your life
into the hands of another,
lest they pull you down
and leave you struggling to rise.

Never let the pulse of your heart
fall into the unrhythmic beat of another,
lest you spend your life
searching for your own rhythm.

Never let your eyes
see only the dreams of others,
lest you find your own dreams
buried beneath theirs.

Never let the sorrow of another
wipe the smile from your face,
lest you lose
the gift of your own happiness.

Walk hand in hand,
but walk towards your own dreams.

Row the boat together,
but maintain your own balance.

Be one soul with two hearts,
but let each heart
follow its own rhythm.

Be there for the other,
but remember to be there for yourself too.

For what matters above all
is the identity
you were born to carry.

Treasure it!
Nurture it!
Guard it!

For you were never meant
to lose yourself
while loving another!