I went searching for a gift to give to myself.
I went searching everywhere till there was no place left.
The gift that I wanted would make me unique,
But I was that already, so why continue to seek?
I wanted beauty, creativity and intelligence sublime.
But didn't I turn heads, create, hadn't God given me a mind?
I felt downhearted and almost defeated
Until I realized I already had what I needed.

Copyright 1978 Dolores Grider

Won "Special Mention" in World of Poetry's "Ninth Annual" poetry contest - July 31, 1984.

Published in the anthology "Our World's Most Beloved Poems" by World of Poetry Press - 1984.