if you are going to use your own words
to speak about yourself, please
choose the softest ones that you can find.
make sure they are gentle, with room inside
where you can breathe.
words that give you space to move about in.
words that you might grow into.
and it’s ok if they don’t fit you, yet.
pick the ones that hang a little higher up on the tree.
words that make you stretch always smell like grace
and kindness—the ones that taste the sweetest.
if you are going to use your own words
to speak to yourself, please
remember to use all the words that you are hungry for
—the words that you have always wanted to hear.
use all the words that nobody ever gives you.
let me tell you a secret:
you are allowed to use any word that you want, claim
any word for yourself—you really are!
you may use words like lovely, and clever, kind, and
happy, wanted and valuable, and even the word beautiful.
you may stick them all over your life.
and do you know what else?
you are even allowed to string them together
—hang them around your own neck like a treasure
for everyone to see.
i love you, and
i am doing the best that i can, and
i am worthy of love.
you are allowed to own any word
that has ever been spoken by any tongue, human or angel.
this can be a dangerous thing to do, though.
so, are you ready?
choose well dear tender-hearted body.
be careful which ones you pick up to carry home
in your pocket.
and if you find words in your heart
that others have left there without your permission
—words that don’t fit you, words that force you
to keep your eyes to the ground
and not look?
words that smell like fear and shame?
you are allowed to throw them away, you are allowed
to forget them.
you do not have to keep every adjective
that follows you home.
they do not teach you this in school, or in church, or even
in the house where you are born
into your life.
over and over, you are allowed to say, no.
look for words that are ripe with hope, words
that feel warm in your hands.
rub them gently into your skin
until everything about you glows with love.
until your whole body is a song.
until your life shines with pure joy.
you may keep any word that you want.
you may throw away any word that you don’t want.
can you believe that?
but first, you have to choose.
© liezel graham 2021
liezel graham 