I Am Afraid to Drive

I entered another writing swap at swap-bot. This one required me to find a writing prompt or two and create something for my partner to read. I found a poetry prompt at Poets&Writers about insecurities that inspired me to write a poem.

Here is the prompt:

Insecurity
posted 8.6.13

Writing poetry is an act of empowerment. Sit quietly at your desk. Think about what you’re most insecure about in life: being a good parent, making enough money, not being able to love fully. Write a poem about how you plan to overcome that insecurity.


Here is the poem I wrote:

I Am Afraid to Drive

By Candace Shultz

I am afraid to drive.

My heart beats faster at just the thought.

So long have I walked, so long have I ridden,

But I just have not driven.

I stay at home and worry.

How do I get to the store?

How do I make new friends?

How do I take care of my child?

How do I survive if I do not drive?

I must get over my fears and take the wheel.

I must take a deep breath and just take the test.

And I must always remember I am not alone.

Others have gone before me.

More will go behind me.

My husband will sit beside me,

And my daughter will drive me on.