Why are you so raw they ask?

Why do you speak that way?

Why do you show your weaknesses?

Why don’t you hide?

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I am raw, oh yes I am

I speak the hard things

I share the harsh realities

I speak the softer things

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I am raw because:

Life is raw

Hope is raw

Love is raw

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I am raw because:

Fear is raw

Pain is raw

Anger is raw

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I am raw because:

Joy is raw

Laughter is raw

Peace is raw

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I am raw because:

Effort is raw

Commitment is raw

Dedication is raw

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Raw is strange because:

It strips us bare

It exposes our weakness

It challenges our beliefs

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Raw is strange because:

We were taught to hide

We were coached to avoid

We were cheered for falseness

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Raw is strange because:

We want to be politically correct

We have been bullied for it

It has never been celebrated

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Raw is strange because:

Few celebrate it

Fewer showcase it

Even fewer express it

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Raw is open

Raw is honest

Raw is real

Raw is true

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Raw is…

The truth of us

The basis of life

The reality of living as one