I used to wear this hair as a badge of courage
That the fire in me would never subside.
But now I find myself broken down
Digested by life.

I used to wear this hair to spite life
To challenge it to a never ending duel.
But now I find myself defeated
Incapacitated if you will.

I used to wear this hair as a declaration
That I would always be spunky.
But now I find myself deflated
Unable to continue on.

Girls of the world
Do you remember
When they told you,
To love your body
And to love yourself-
Regardless of your
Shape, size, skin?

Girls of the world
Do not believe
Their hateful lies.

Girls of the world
Hate your body
And change it until
It's perfect-
Because you will never
Be loved, accepted
Even if you love yourself.

Girls of the world
I thought it would
All fall into place.

Girls of the world
I loved my body
And was comfortable
In MY skin
But those I loved most
Could not love me
For the skin I was in.

Girls of the world
Beauty is not subjective
It is precise.

Girls of the world
Do not fall into the trap
Of thinking you are:
Beautiful, perfect in your own way
Because you are not
You can only be
Perfect in one way.

Am I the only one
Wanting it to be
Just like the good
Ole days?

How difficult it is
To remain indifferent
To abuses in the workplace
When you know that
You will never rise above
What you are.

How difficult it is
To remain dedicated
To the work you do
When you know that
No one appreciates it
And it only your pride acknowledges it.

How difficult it is
To try to be a full time employee
And do more than expected
When you know that
You will never make more
Than you did at the beginning.

How difficult it is
To try to work like you were taught
And be proud of the work you do
When you know that
No matter the quality
You will always be that part-time office *****.

Let them not take advantage
Those who would describe themselves as family
Let them not use your loyalty
Let them not use your sympathy
To burden you with responsibilities that are theirs.
Keep the love that is within your heart
And share it with those who would return it
But keep that which can be used against your favor
Tucked neatly away from such prying fingers.

White noise
Wind
Smoke
Oblivion.

You are the one I come home to
After a long day of expectation.
I long for your warmth and comfort
After a long day of frustration.
You are the one I turn to
After a long day of exasperation.
You are the one to make everything better
And after a long day, I love you even more.