Fear is the language of not knowing.

Not knowing what tomorrow carries,
where the next road bends,
or whether the next step leads to promise
or another disappointment.

Sometimes I wonder about the future.

Will I live long enough to meet it?
Will I become the person
I imagine in quiet moments?
Will I be strong enough
to carry the weight of these questions?

Then there are the eyes.

Eyes that measure.
Eyes that judge.
Eyes that seem to have written
a conclusion about your life
before you speak.

I wish I could see behind them.

What did that silence mean?
Why did they look away?
What did they say about me
when I left the room?

If I knew their answers,
I could prepare my defence.

If I knew their questions,
I would finally stop being afraid.

But life never gives you
the questions before the examination.

You walk into tomorrow
without an answer sheet,
without a marking scheme,
without a promise that you will get it right.

Courage is not walking without trembling.

It is trembling and walking anyway.

So let the road watch.
Let the eyes judge.

I will carry my story
without handing strangers the pen.

Fear may sit beside me,
but it does not get to decide
where I am going.

Philip Muoghalu is a Nigerian poet and writer whose love for words began at an early age. From childhood, he found solace and inspiration in literature, developing a deep appreciation for storytelling, poetry and creative expression. Drawing inspiration from faith, personal experience, human emotions and everyday life. He uses poetry as a medium to connect, inspire and encourage others. Through his work, he seeks to remind readers of the beauty found in life`s journey and the strength that comes from faith and perseverance.