I wrote this poem for my youngest daughter when she was going through a rough time, and I’m posting it with her permission. (She has grown up to be all the good things that her mama predicted, by the way….she was all along – she just had to figure it out).
By: Jana Greene
“13”
She sees herself in dimmest light,
All shadows that she doesn’t like
And awkward features
In her mind all,
Predicting every trip and fall.
She feels alone in mass of crowd
And tries to hide within her shroud
Of shortcomings,
All in her mind
Afraid of what the light may find.
She only knows that it’s not fair,
That “perfect girls” with flaxen hair
And flawless looks
And stellar grades
Really sometimes feel just the same.
She sees herself as in the dark
Inadequacies in contrast stark
To the proud and bright and secure around.
So, feeling small… she makes no sound.
If only she could stand outside
Those limits that she sets and hides
Behind as if they were in stone….
She isn’t falling.
She’s not alone.
She’s beautiful
This much is true,
But her brown eyes should see it too.
Proud and bright, secure and true?
One day, her eyes will see it, too.
