1.11.2011

Loving Me

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You love yourself enough
to be here," she said.
And though I sometimes wonder
how I possibly love this imperfect creature -
who judges too quickly, and cries too often,
I think she is on to something.

Four long years of school,
empty bank account and bare closet,
I loved myself enough to stay up all night
cramming for that Italian test,
just so I wouldn't be crushed when I saw that
fateful letter circled in red.

And then I said no to all of those boys
whose feelings may have been hurt
but who nonetheless were either spoiled or moody
(but usually dull)
and I would much rather spend my night alone
with a mug of cocoa and my bed.

And then there was the time I moved to a new place
just to show myself that I could
and I left the man I loved behind
because I knew that I had to go
before I could love him
the way he deserved.

And I suppose that I do love myself enough
to wake up before the sun
next to the man I love
and tip-toe out the door because
that love for me is at least as much
as I need.

14 comments:

emilymcb said...

This was beautiful. I'm inspired to make sure the decisions I'm making reflect my love for myself and those around me.

Brissa said...

Thank you for this.

Jessica said...

One of my favorites ever Mands.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Mandy, this was so beautiful and sweet. :) I really love this.

Christa said...

Mandy I know everyone says it, but you never get sick of compliments, right? You are such a talented writter. I love how you are able to express yourself so beautifully.

Dee Paulino said...

Beautifully written. This reminds me I have to keep making decisions based of my love for myself. Thank you!!

Heather said...

I'm taking aerobics this semester and I always think about how your teacher told you that! Lets play soon, I'm dying to see your pretty face!

Unknown said...

This is beautiful, and perfectly timed. Thank you!

Autumn @ Autumn All Along said...

I really enjoyed this, thank you.

Unknown said...

Wow. You are so talented. I love your way with words, and you seriously make me sure I want to major in English each day I read your blog.

Anonymous said...

oh my. i'm a new reader and i was totally blown away by this. i think there's a great possibility that this might find its way printed on my wall in the very near future.

so so gorgeous :)

Katie Christine said...

I loved this whole poem, but the first stanza really moved me.
Thanks for sharing.

Brittany said...

I want to tell you that I love this. I never realized that some of the funny (or even stupid) things I do are actually because I love myself. Loving yourself is such a journey, isn't it? Thanks for writing.

Amanda said...

Just a quick note to agree with all the others--I love your words. Did you major in writing? If so it shows!