ode to self esteem

I find it rather interesting, I’ve memorized a piece that’s eight minutes long,
Several that are five, many that are three, and a few that incorporate a song.
But the piece I’ve had the hardest time memorizing, is this one that uplifts my self-esteem.
Maybe ‘cuz fighting feelings of unworthiness, for me is like swimming upstream.

But I still continue to share this piece at the mic, as I know I’m not unique,
Us women have been taught for eons and ages, to always be timid and meek.
So I don’t always recite it as smoothly as I’d like, but I really am working on the matter.
And I know that one day it’ll glide off my lips, and it will be sooner than later.
For, I Am The Prize.


From my mind that’s sharp and quick, like the snap of a whip,
To the warm sweet softness of my thick luscious thighs,
I Am The Prize.

From my compassionate nature, always willing and giving, helping and loving,
To the snap, crackle, pop in my expressive eyes,
I Am The Prize.

From my smile that’s contagious, and wink that’s outrageous,
To the depths of my soul where the heat & sizzle of my passion lies,
I Am The Prize.

From the spirit within me giving to God all the glory, for my life saving story,
To the freedom I’ve been given that lets me soar to the skies,
I Am The Prize.

From my talent for stomping
The flavor in the beans, the tart in the ribs, the sweetness in the greens,
To my desire to adore you, love and restore you , when life sucks and your dream dies,
I Am The Prize.

From my lovin to die for, try for, cry for,
To the life I embrace without artificial highs,
I Am The Prize.

From my gratitude for all things, big things, small things,
Even life’s trials and morning smiles,
To my disinterest in Coach or Gucci, Prada or ‘poochie’,
Those designer handbags that FAT money buys,
I Am The Prize.


From my lack of drama and lessening of insanity,
Meeting life with acceptance instead of profanity,
To my need to be honest and tell you no lies,
I Am The Prize.

From my strength and confidence and self esteem,
That gives me the power to follow my dream.
To my belief that life’s best lived in terms of ‘we’s’ not ‘I’s’,
I Am The Prize.

From my willingness to learn the lessons and the hows,
And accept that my God sometimes gives me ‘not now’s,
To my peace with not always knowing the answers, the if evers, the whys.
I Am The Prize.

From my ability to accept you right where you are,
Whether high or low, near or far,
To my gift of unconditional love and compassion,
Friendship and kinship without binding ties,
I Am The Prize.

I don’t know why you choose not to phone me.
I don’t know why you don’t get in the zone with me.
But to feelings of inadequacy, they shall not give rise.
For I AM The Prize.