Words

every day we hear the words

the words that make us hate, make us cry, make us want to change

sometimes we listen, we soak in those voices; whispering gently in our ears

everywhere we go they follow us, we beg them to stop to leave us alone

yet, you still feel the hissing in your ear

you look in the mirror, you look into your eyes

this is not beauty, this is not perfection

those small voices scream

no longer a whisper, their demands devour you

when you see yourself, you see inadequacy

you see weakness, you see what society sees

a weak nobody

the voices grow louder, an unbearable pain,

you carry everywhere you go

you try try try to make them stop,

you try so hard, but you can’t

there always there

that never ending sound

Everyone hears those voices, some more than others

but close your eyes, listen carefully

listen for the small still voice

listen for the small voice that speaks the truth

listen for the voice that can rise above the others

listen for the gentle words.

I am beautiful

I am selfless

I am strong

I am me

every day we hear the words

the words that make us hate, make us cry, make us want to change

sometimes we listen, but sometimes we don’t.