Exactly! You are so right, and so brave. We all carry "secret doubts and fears / mistakes and regrets / opportunities lost / the hopes I cannot utter." And to know that we face them only when we are ready is great wisdom. Yes, we need to be ready, and then to "act on them at last / or finally let them go" takes great courage. I really admire you, Shereen.

And your imagery is marvelous; the first stanza is gorgeous! Thank you.