The poem below deals with a childhood hurdle that eventually led me to grow in confidence: the family tag of 'the shy one.' 
The Shy One 
“Jeanne is the shy one,”
explained Mom 
when she introduced 
my siblings and me
to someone new
we happened to meet.
My tag was sewn,
identified and neat. 
But I really wasn’t terribly shy
as indicated by Mother.
I simply loved to scrutinize 
and exercise prudence 
in dealing with others.
A curse back then. 
But now I understand; 
my pensive ‘flaws’
were precious gifts
of a Higher command. 
Indeed, this shy one
has ardently grown,
for my interactions 
delicately honed, 
pensive and discreet,
have led me to complete
some pretty marvelous feats.
Thank you, Lord. 
Thanks Mom and Dad... 
May the Perpetual Light shine upon you.
© Jeanne I. Lakatos

