I got into You: Acceptance

The "you" in this piece can be any institution: religion, partnership, profession. For me the "you" here is education.

I have tried to be careful. Somehow you have the power to make those who you accept arch their backs, to stand much more erect and poised in confidence. You hold and shape, you cradle and feed, you are womb and parent, you bear those you accept. I have tried to figure out my voice without having it inside of you. But I hear my voice much more clearly when you accept me. I know I can do more, even more than that which you will offer me, because you have accepted me. My work is to understand our relationship, your power and my power, separate and together. How do I become as strong as you, to one day make myself feel just as empowered as you make me feel, but through my own acceptance of Me. My work is to answer this, inside of you, to answer this and come up with a middle ground between you and I. But for now, you have made me smile. You have accepted me. And with my own Voice I must say, Thank you.

*The Director of Sarah Lawrence's graduate Writing Program called me yesterday morning to tell me I am admitted into the school. :)