I am Worthy and I am Loved

People often tell me how nice I am.
That I am considerate and kind
both warm and wonderful.
But somewhere deep inside
comes a nagging voice.
I’m really not nice
I don’t deserve good things
I am not perfect at all.

Whose voice do I hear
whispering such untruths?
It is really mine or some ghost form the past?
Bad echoes from a Mom, a Dad
or a sister or brother?
The voice tells untruths, it seems like mine
yet it has a ring of familiarity to it.
Perhaps it’s from a time, so long ago
when a child was young and very impressionable.
A child not loved, with emotions not cared for.

It’s time to put that voice aside
to know I am loved by myself and friends.
To know my worth is measured by kindness
not a scale of perfection designed by others.
I am worth and I am loved
my life is perfect in my eyes and God’s.

Poetry & Graphic by Patricia Walter 1999 ©