Self-Acceptance Poems

Published: October 2019

Each one of us is unique. We have each been given gifts and talents that we can use to make the world a better place, but too often, we allow society to make us feel interior. We struggle with low self-esteem and buy into the lie that we don't have anything to offer the world. We look at the strengths of other people while only focusing on our weaknesses. These thoughts become self-destructive, and before we know it, we begin hating who we are.

We all must walk the journey toward self-acceptance. For some, the path is smooth, while for others, it has many bumps and twists along the way. These poems showcase the journey many people have walked to find self-acceptance and truly love who they are. May you find the strength and courage to love yourself and see your unique qualities as strengths and not weaknesses.

16 Poems About Accepting Who You Are

Be The Best Of Whatever You Are
- By Douglas Malloch
Famous Poem

In this poem, Douglas Malloch (1877-1938) shares an encouraging message for readers of all ages. Although we don't all hold prestigious jobs, we can all be the best at who we are. Our position in life doesn't make us more or less valuable. The beauty of this world is shown when each person does what he has been called to do and does it with great pride. When we measure our success by the standards of this world, many of us will feel as though we've fallen short. Douglas Malloch reminds us that success is measured by being the best at whoever you are. Like many, he came from humble roots, but he used his gift of writing to touch the lives of many people.

in Famous Inspirational Poems

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley — but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley — but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,
And some highway happier make;
If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass —
But the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,
There's something for all of us here,
There's big work to do, and there's lesser to do,
And the task you must do is the near.

If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,
If you can't be the sun be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or you fail —
Be the best of whatever you are!
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Two years ago I was in depression and isolated. I felt frequently that I was worthless and deserved no love, no appreciation, no friends. I kept myself aloof from everyone, thinking that I...

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Love After Love
- By Derek Walcott
Famous Poem

Much of the inspiration for Derek Walcott's poetry comes from the history of Saint Lucia, where he was born. This poem has a theme of accepting yourself as you are. Before you can love others, you need to love yourself.

in Famous Inspirational Poems

The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,

The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,

And say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was yourself.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
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My husband died 10 years ago. He was the love of my life, my soul-mate, my best friend. I have not known how to 'adjust' to him being gone until I read this poem, "Love After Love." Everyone...

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My Personal Quest
- By Patricia A Fleming
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2018 with permission of the Author.
It's about our search for peace, our search for ourselves and finally learning where the answers lie.

Searching To Find Ourselves

in Inspirational Poems

For most of my life, I've been on a quest
To discover just who I might be,
Earnestly searching, day after day,
So desperate to recognize me.

For most of my life, I've been on a quest
To discover just who I might be,
Earnestly searching, day after day,
So desperate to recognize me.

I've felt moments of utter fulfillment
And moments I couldn't go on,
But I knew for the sake of my heart and my soul,
To succeed, I would have to be strong.

But the people around me seemed so lost themselves
That I feared I might be on my own.
But then there'd be someone who would reach out and help
And remind me I wasn't alone.

I've wanted so much to be happy,
To know what it was to feel peace,
And I thought if I finally felt sure of myself,
Then the pain and the struggles would cease.

But I've learned that this journey is endless;
The discoveries are fresh every day,
And no matter how much I might know of myself,
They'll be times I will still lose my way.

And as I've grown older, I truly believe
I may never know all I can be.
But the answers are not waiting out in the world
But have always laid right inside me.

We're all on this quest to discover ourselves,
Together but through our own ways,
Overcoming whatever might get in our paths,
So we can feel better someday.

But always remember not to stray far
From what matters and what's really true.
In this life you don't have to be perfect.
In the end, you just have to be you.
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Wow this poem is so beautiful! I'm surprised there aren't more comments under it! Right now I feel like I don't know myself and need to discover who I am. This piece really comforted me to...

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Before I...
- By Insiya K. Patanwala
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2017 with permission of the Author.
Depression and anxiety are like war. And I am sure most people who go through it agree with me. I have had anxiety and mild depression since forever. And it was really difficult for me to accept myself and love who I am. Initially, I only wrote poems and stories about darkness and defeat. It's been a while since I have started writing inspirational stuff. I want the world to know it's not that difficult to love who you are and be what you want to be. A little courage is all it takes.

Accepting Who You Are

in Change Poems

Before I became strong, I knew what it was like
To be weak,
How difficult it is to love yourself,
To find the wholeness that you seek.

Before I became strong, I knew what it was like
To be weak,
How difficult it is to love yourself,
To find the wholeness that you seek.

Before I knew the light,
I have had my fair share of darkness, too,
Where my world fell into a hopelessness
And I didn't know how to get through.

For I have known the tears it takes,
The courage to stand up again,
When you are broken down and bruised
And you know nothing but the pain.

You forget to appreciate love,
If you haven't seen the hate,
Till you forget the meaning of smile and laughter,
And your heart is left abate.

I have known the strength and courage
It requires to get it right,
To face the things that hold you down
And hold your head up and fight.

Before I was who I am now,
I was someone I didn't want to be.
I was lost, battered, and defeated,
Before I knew how to be me!

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Very moving. Always good to read that someone has found light at the end of the tunnel. It's a bit like my poem Brighter Skies - knowing that when things are bleak and dreary there will be...

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Just Because
- By Angie M Flores
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2008 with permission of the Author.
I don't need to be a follower in order to be accepted. I am who I am. Accept me for who I am.

Poems About Being Unique And Special

in Inspirational Poems by Teens

Just because I have never done drugs, doesn't mean I'm not cool.
Just because I am a virgin, doesn't make me lame.
Just because I'm not a fighter, doesn't mean I'm weak.
Just because I am not a party girl, doesn't mean I can't hang.

Just because I have never done drugs, doesn't mean I'm not cool.
Just because I am a virgin, doesn't make me lame.
Just because I'm not a fighter, doesn't mean I'm weak.
Just because I am not a party girl, doesn't mean I can't hang.
Just because I get good grades, doesn't mean I'm a nerd.
Just because teachers like me, doesn't mean I am a teacher's pet.
Just because I am not a rebel, doesn't mean I'm scared.
Just because I am quiet, doesn't mean I don't speak up for what I believe in.
Just because I have morals, doesn't make me a goody two shoes.
Just because I walk away from trouble, doesn't make me a pushover.
Just because I think before I act, doesn't make me a loser.

I am who I am, and this is who I shall forever be.
I do not care what others think of me.
Like me or not, that is your choice.
Accept me for who I am.
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It's a really cool poem, kudos to you. Anytime, I think about composing one, I cry buckets instead. Being a teen is really difficult.

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Unique
- By Abimbola T. Alabi
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2018 with permission of the Author.
The pressure to conform in our society is high, and it only drains people of their peace and strength. I've found true happiness in loving myself the way I am. (I do not bother about what people say as long as my Christian values are satisfied.) Do you dare to be different? This poem is for you.

Poem About Resisting Conformity

in Inspirational Poems

Because I know who I am,
I'm at ease and free.
I can't be like others,
And they can't be me.

Because I know who I am,
I'm at ease and free.
I can't be like others,
And they can't be me.

I've got fading scars,
An unusual physique,
But it all works together
To make me unique.

I've got hidden strengths,
Some obvious flaws.
Still I am who I am,
For better, for worse.

I don't have to blend in;
I won't live a lie.
I can't please everyone;
I won't even try.

Some call me proud;
Others stare at me in alarm.
But I'm not one to bother,
Because I know who I am.
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This poem speaks to me because I used to have a hard time accepting who I am. This is one of the deepest poems I've read yet. But now I've finally accepted who I am. Thanks for the inspiration.

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Fairytale Girl
- By Annabel Lee Winters
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 2016 with permission of the Author.
I thought of this poem after watching a romantic movie with my friends. I was making fun of it the whole time while they were intensely watching. I really love this poem; it's probably the best I've ever written.

Poem Being Secure With Who You Are

in Inspirational Poems by Teens

I'm not that girl who's loved by all.
Don't wear dresses or go to balls.
I'm not the kind who likes to sing.
Don't dream of wearing a diamond ring.

I'm not that girl who's loved by all.
Don't wear dresses or go to balls.
I'm not the kind who likes to sing.
Don't dream of wearing a diamond ring.

I've watched the movies
A hundred times.
Promises of a tall, dark,
And handsome
Boy in disguise.

But I know there's more out there
Waiting for me.
My dreams come in
A different variety.

My blue jeans,
My sneakers,
My hopes and dreams
Have a fairytale ending
Just for me.

So goodbye Cinderella,
'Cause I'm on a roll.
Don't need a prince charming
To have or to hold.

The way I am is perfect,
No doubt in my mind.
I'm different, I guess,
And I guess I don't mind.
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I am like this. I do not want a prince charming in life. I am strong enough to take care of myself, and I will be independent as well. Super proud to be a girl!

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Never Give Up
- By Becky
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 2015 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this poem because I was feeling a little down one day, and sometimes I just need to boost my self-confidence, so I wrote a poem about it, hoping it could help other people as well. I hope you like it, and I hope it gives you a bit of a confidence boost.

in Inspirational Poems by Teens

Never give up,
Never give in.
Move onward and upward with strength from within.

Never give up,
Never give in.
Move onward and upward with strength from within.

Always believe,
Always look forward.
Never be the one who is seen as a coward.

Remember the past,
Look for the future.
Always remember it's often good to be obscure.

You are special,
You are unique.
To go far in life is what you should seek.

You are brilliant,
You prove to be amazing every day,
And there is someone who will love you in every way.
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This poem has given me hope, I am currently doing my B tech of which I was about to deregister it because its all seemed so hard to uphill, but reading this poem gave me strength to face...

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Who Am I?
- By Natasha L. Bishop
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 2016 with permission of the Author.
I am 35 years old, a mother of 3. Even in life's busy schedule I still haven't seemed to find myself.

Who Am I Poem About Myself

in Poems about Life Struggles

Who am I, you ask?
I am a lion who comes off as a lamb.
I am an ocean with waves big enough to drown.
I am a roller coaster of emotions.

Who am I, you ask?
I am a lion who comes off as a lamb.
I am an ocean with waves big enough to drown.
I am a roller coaster of emotions.
I am a hater of ignorant people, liars,
And people who use others for a gain.
I am a lost soul, a naive child.
I am one who has seen enough
That would make most people's skin crawl.
I am me, not you.
I am who I am.
Judging me is only a negative reflection on you.
So who am I, you ask?
I am me...just me.
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My face is the place I hide my pain. My face is a place Where raindrops fall hiding the tears that have been there for so many years. My face is the place that hides my pain. My face...

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I Am Beautiful
- By Keisha Swafford
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 2008 with permission of the Author.
I hope it inspires you to be confident too!

Poem To Inspire Confidence And Empowerment In Girls

in Inspirational Poems by Teens

I am beautiful,
I am powerful,
I am desireable,
Boys love me,

I am beautiful,
I am powerful,
I am desireable,
Boys love me,
Girls hate on me,
What's wrong with,
Being confident?
Pretty brown eyes,
Soft lips easy to kiss,
Long legs that move with grace,
Being me is who I want to be,
I wouldn't want to be anyone else,

I love with my whole heart,
When God sends me that special guy,
I will be happy, but for now,
I'm just having fun, gazing around,
Looking for someone, looking for no one,
Easy to please, I'm not fussy,
Someday I might be your Mrs.,
Butterflies and flowers surround me,
As I run in a field of daisies,
Thank God I am pretty,

I love myself,
No matter what,
Try your best,
To put me down,
Sorry, I'm not around,
I'm on cloud nine,
Sitting on my cloud,
Watching the world pass me by,
Happy as can be, I see a rainbow,
Full of color and vibrance,
Time is of the essence,
I must seize each day,
Cherish each moment,
Love the ones I'm with,
Use my talent and gifts,
God has bestowed on me,
Be thankful for everything,
I accept my crown as queen,
I don't need a king by my side,
I can be a queen all by myself,

I wanna be who I want to be,
Not what everyone wants me to be,
God controls my destiny,
Let God be my Protector and my Shield,
My heart He will heal,
Happiness and joy I feel.
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Be Proud Of Who You Are
- By S Raine
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 2010 with permission of the Author.
I try to instill in my daughters that we all are unique, so find yourself and be proud of who you are.

I Am Unique

in Life Lesson Poems

I come with no wrapping or pretty pink bows.
I am who I am, from my head to my toes.
I tend to get loud when speaking my mind.
Even a little crazy some of the time.

I come with no wrapping or pretty pink bows.
I am who I am, from my head to my toes.
I tend to get loud when speaking my mind.
Even a little crazy some of the time.
I'm not a size 5 and don't care to be.
You can be you and I can be me.
I try to stay strong when pain knocks me down.
And the times that I cry are when no one's around.
To error is human or so that's what they say.
Well, tell me who's perfect anyway.
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I love this poem! People are always trying to fit in and be normal. I've always disregarded being "normal." What's the point? Why would I be someone I am not? I am perfectly happy the way I...

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I Believe
- By Emmah A. Odhiambo
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2022 with permission of the Author.
Growth comes with different development stages, some positive and some negative, causing one to develop certain mindsets that can work for them or hurt them.
I developed mindsets of self-doubt and self-sabotage based on how other people saw me, based on other people's standards of qualification and forgot I was the one living my life.
But not anymore because I took my life into my own hands, and so can you.

Believe In Yourself And You'll Accomplish Anything

in Inspirational Poems

Into this world I came,
The light of the sun,
On my face I craved.
In the cool breezing wind,

Into this world I came,
The light of the sun,
On my face I craved.
In the cool breezing wind,
Under the moonlight I sat,
I thought,
I pondered,
I knew,
I was great.

Slowly they got to me,
Their expectations,
I couldn't catch up.
Their opinions,
They cut to the deep.
Their constant watch,
I became stunned.
Beauty faded,
Strength waxed away,

And then I grew up.
They mattered no more.
All the lies I believed,
Like a flood on sloppy hills,
I let them run down.
New mindsets I built,
Strong confidence I gained,
Because I knew for the best,
It was I that mattered.

Like the Phoenix, I rise,
From the ashes of doubt,
From the ashes of contempt.
Like an eagle I soar,
To the ends of the earth,
To the storms that may be,
Because I have believed
I have all it takes,
I have all I need.

My dreams run wild,
My imagination unlimited.
I know what I want,
I know how to get it.
Like the sun,
I shine my light.
Like the stars,
My glory prevails,
Because I have believed.
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The New Me
- By J. Dezz
- Published by Family Friend Poems April 2014 with permission of the Author.
I am a living, breathing piece of art; I am proof that things can change, and I am proud to be the new me.

Changing For The Better

in Depression Poems by Teens

Sometimes it gets better.
Sometimes you heal.
Sometimes my eyes get wetter
Waiting for these scars to heal.

Sometimes it gets better.
Sometimes you heal.
Sometimes my eyes get wetter
Waiting for these scars to heal.

The scars on the outer,
The scars on the inner.
I scream and I cry louder and louder.
My voice just gets tired and my lifeline much thinner.

That was the old me,
The scared me,
The dying.
That was the hurt me,
The bleeding me,
The crying.

The night that I changed is still so clear.
I swallowed those pills with not a single fear.
I stumbled and fell, but I didn't care.
No more crying, no cutting, not one more blank stare.

The pain was unbearable; what had I done?
I haven't lived yet, my life had just begun.
I awoke my guardian, to the clinic we went.
I slept off the pills and awoke to resent.

I felt so ill, inside and out.
I went to a center and learned all about
How to be fine, how to live without
The blades and the pills; it's all over now.

Meet the new me.
She's smiling but scarred.
Meet the new me.
She shoots for the stars.
Meet the new me.
She's doing fine.
Meet the new me.
She tries and she strives.
Meet the new me.
She's glad she's alive.
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That is so amazing. It really touched me because I nearly killed myself because I used to self-harm I don't do it anymore, but sometimes I'm tempted, but I get through it and you will too!...

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Don't Give Up On Yourself
- By Katy A. Brown
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2017 with permission of the Author.
Losing yourself is such a surreal feeling. You can't really explain it to others. You just know that something feels...off. Like something just isn't right, like you're simply just not you. This poem is about realizing that there's something missing and doing something about it and tuning out the voices in your head that tell you to just give up. Because you know you're out there somewhere, you just have to keep on searching.

Finding Yourself

in Courage Poems

I'm on my way.
They may ask me, "Where to?"
Well, that I cannot say...
For even I have no clue.

I'm on my way.
They may ask me, "Where to?"
Well, that I cannot say...
For even I have no clue.

I know it's rather far,
For it has to make me whole.
The road to the stars,
The path to my soul.

I must go alone,
But I'll miss you all, believe me.
I must travel into the unknown,
I must sail all of the seas.

You see, I've lost something of mine.
It's special and grand...
Magnificent in its design.
How I lost it is hard to understand.

What did I lose?
Well...I'm not exactly sure.
Please, my confusion you must excuse...
I just know I must find a cure.

I have a terrible disease,
The name of it escapes me.
But it stops your hair from blowing in the breeze.
It stops your heart from feeling free.

I think it's called "Lack of Adventure,"
But correct me if I'm wrong.
That is why I must go on this venture,
For my very essence I must prolong.

I think I may have left my heart somewhere
Or the part of me that believes....
I'll be back soon, I swear!
But for awhile, I must leave.

I know I'm on my way,
And though I may not know where
Myself I cannot betray...
For I know I'm somewhere out there.
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I Am Worthy
- By Alison Malee
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 2020 with permission of the Author.
I wanted to share my current mantra with you all, with the hope that it might help you feel worthy + mindful today. The world is heavy, but we do not have to carry it all at one time, and despite all of the hard decisions and weight of the day to day, you are doing your best, and that IS enough.

in Inspirational Poems

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

Repeat.
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I Am Someone...
- By Brittany Kelley
- Published by Family Friend Poems October 2016 with permission of the Author.
This poem says it all about who I am and the qualities I have. I am hoping one day a real man will come along and scoop me up for the person I am and not the person he wants me to be.

Proud Of My Qualities

in Meaningful Poems

I am someone who gives all she has every time.
I am someone who talks twice as much as she listens.
I am someone who will tell you what you mean to her on a dime.
I am someone who is nice and caring, whose shadow glistens.

I am someone who gives all she has every time.
I am someone who talks twice as much as she listens.
I am someone who will tell you what you mean to her on a dime.
I am someone who is nice and caring, whose shadow glistens.

I am someone who can give you everything.
I am someone who knows what she wants.
I am someone who has dreams like Martin Luther King.
I am someone who is as warm as a basket of croissants.

I am someone who wears her heart on her sleeve.
I am someone who gets taken advantage of.
I am someone who has never had a kiss on New Year's Eve.
I am someone who is ready to fall in love.

I am someone who believes in honesty and trust.
I am someone who loves what she does.
I am someone who believes self-happiness and love are a must.
I am someone who tries to be fair and just.

I am someone who is ready for anything.
I am someone who is telling you who I am.
I am someone who has that crazy extra little zing.
I am someone who can be your grand slam.

This is who I am.

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I had a professor in college tell me...there are two types of people in the world: the French-fry droppers and the French-fry picker-uppers. You and I, my dear, we are the picker-uppers. We...

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Self-Acceptance Poems

16 Poems About Accepting Who You Are

Much of the inspiration for Derek Walcott's poetry comes from the history of Saint Lucia, where he was born. This poem has a theme of accepting yourself as you are. Before you can love others, you need to love yourself.

It's about our search for peace, our search for ourselves and finally learning where the answers lie.

I don't need to be a follower in order to be accepted. I am who I am. Accept me for who I am.

The pressure to conform in our society is high, and it only drains people of their peace and strength. I've found true happiness in loving myself the way I am. (I do not bother about what people say as long as my Christian values are satisfied.) Do you dare to be different? This poem is for you.

I thought of this poem after watching a romantic movie with my friends. I was making fun of it the whole time while they were intensely watching. I really love this poem; it's probably the best I've ever written.

I wrote this poem because I was feeling a little down one day, and sometimes I just need to boost my self-confidence, so I wrote a poem about it, hoping it could help other people as well. I hope you like it, and I hope it gives you a bit of a confidence boost.

I am 35 years old, a mother of 3. Even in life's busy schedule I still haven't seemed to find myself.

I hope it inspires you to be confident too!

I try to instill in my daughters that we all are unique, so find yourself and be proud of who you are.

I am a living, breathing piece of art; I am proof that things can change, and I am proud to be the new me.

I wanted to share my current mantra with you all, with the hope that it might help you feel worthy + mindful today. The world is heavy, but we do not have to carry it all at one time, and despite all of the hard decisions and weight of the day to day, you are doing your best, and that IS enough.

This poem says it all about who I am and the qualities I have. I am hoping one day a real man will come along and scoop me up for the person I am and not the person he wants me to be.