I picture myself
I am not
pretty,
smart,
worth it.

I picture myself
I am not
what,
who,
you want
me to be.

I picture you.
You are pretty,
you are smart.

I hear your voice.
“Brush your hair.”
“Buy nice clothes.”

I remember you,
reminding me that
you are
perfect.

Unlike me.

Why?
Why do I care?
Why do you
influence me?
Why do you
criticize me?
Why do I
listen?

I picture myself,
I am not your intelligence,
I am not your beauty,
I am not you.

I picture myself,
I am my beauty,
I am my intelligence,
I am my own self.

I hear myself.
“Follow your heart.”
“Smile often.”

I remember myself.
Reminding me that
I will never be you
I will only be
me.