Doubt

The path is already carved,
stone steps worn smooth by expectations.
I place my foot down —
the earth feels firm.

The wind pulls at my cap and gown.
Applause echoes in the distance,
a chorus of nodding heads.
Smiles float like paper lanterns
strung all around me.

This is what was planned,
what was promised,
what they saw in me
long before I saw myself.

But something inside whispers doubt,
my tongue tastes of iron and regret,
and I wonder —

if I turned, if I ran,
would the world shatter?

Or would I finally
be able to breathe?