Strength
Strength isn’t that I don’t crumple
it’s that I do,
then
unfold myself neatly into a new form
and soar
evermore
an eagle above the clouds
-A. Long
self esteem
I Just Can’t
The cratered wrinkles have set deep under my eyes
they can’t disguise
this new found insecurity I have with beauty
I just can’t
glare at the mirror staring back
anticipating what you see
except my reflection
flat and imperfect is trapped in the glass
I just can’t
there are earthquakes beneath my fingertips
why would you entrust your heart
to someone whose hands shake
I’m trying my best to hold still for you
Healing
Take a day to heal from the lies you’ve told yourself and the ones that have been told to you. –Maya Angelou
No
You hate me
because of the color of my skin
You are disgusted by my
supposed inferiority
You act like a devil wielding a whip
because of the way I move and think and speak
and sing
No
you hate me
because of my pride
strength to work in the blisterin sun
to take a hit and keep on comin
my ability to capture the rhythm of the beat
to have good times when shit’s all bad
to keep my head up when I should feel sad
because I step like a Queen
even though you beat mock torture and abuse
my body but not my soul
No, tell the truth
you
fear me.
The Poetry Corner 