Battling Perfection

As far as I can remember, I’ve always had trouble articulating my truth. When you grow up in a black household, you learn that you must protect your image at all costs.  You are taught that if anyone knows the complete truth, they will perceive you as weak and use that against you.  You must always uphold an image of perfection. I have been chasing after that perfection my entire life.  I now know that is unattainable but there is still a part of me that wonders if I push myself a bit harder, I will reach it.   My shadow has laid her palms against my shoulder blades to thrust me towards the idea of perfection. However,  I have dug my heels in the sand, clenched my fists by side,  held my chest up to the sun, and stood my ground so she can’t propel me towards the unreachable.