This poem was written two years ago, and I initially wrote it about settling in toxic romantic relationships. But this idea of settling is so much more than that and it can be hard to see past it when caught up in everyday routines. I rewrote this as a reminder to remember the importance of passion in our lives and the role it plays. Our passions help us see the true beauty of life.

Without passion, we settle.

We forget this in the daily grind.

We forget that each and every one of us deserves

to be surrounded by people who will help us up

if we fall down,

without judgment.

Sometimes doubts will crawl into our hearts,

robbing us of what we need to flourish.

Our courage,

our passion.

Causing us to settle for what appears to be right.

To give us what we think we need to fill that void.

The sound of settling filling our ears with its empty sounds.

Sounding like anything to anyone.

Anything that is dry, passive.

The sound of apathy,

silence.

Not the peaceful kind of quiet,

but the kind of quiet that haunts the mind, body, and spirit,

urging the one who hears this silence to

get out,

move on,

find a better situation,

create a better self.

It is the sound of unsaid words,

of missed opportunity.

The sound of settling may be a comfort to some,

for if they settle

they can avoid the rejection that can come from trying.

No one should have to listen to the sounds of settling.

However, those sounds appear.

We all have this right to live the life of wonder and brilliance we need.

Even if it is forgotten in the daily responsibilities.

This is that reminder.

To live. Not merely survive.

A life filled with majestic tones and stunning imagery.

Of passion.

With the people who surround us, who help us forget the sound of settling.

Helping us thrive.

We all deserve this happiness,

We can be if we follow the passion.

We just need to listen.