self-esteem – Poetry for Change

Certificate of Achievement for my poem, Fear of Judgement

Thank you for the honor and your hard work.

Fear of Judgement

I’ve written you so many letters,
Letters that have gathered dust,
Dust in their crammed drawer,
Drawer that holds my secrets, a protector,
Protector against prying eyes,
Eyes whose judgements is impolite,
Impolite, demeaning comments,
Comments that devastate one’s self- esteem,
Esteem you wish to share,
Share its fruitful bliss, yet,
Yet, you fear a negative reaction,
Reaction that leaves you bare,
Bare to vulnerability of being offensive,
Offensive by stating the truth,
Truth that breaks Hearts,
Hearts that need protection,
Protection from those nearest who,
Who with a word demolish what you’ve,
You’ve build with a measly word.

©️ Malak kalmoni chehab ©️

My poetry book, Perfectly Flawed poetry for change, is available on all eplatforms including Amazon. It was on the finalist list for the Canadian Book Club Awards 2023.

https://www.amazon.ca/Perfectly-Flawed-poetry-Malak-Kalmoni/dp/1525582518

Who Are We?

How do you conceal who you are? How many facets do you portray?

Do you change the way you dress daily?

Do you alter your hair and eye color? Do you vary your tone, whisper, cry, or shout?

Do you add make up to accent different parts of you?

Are you an award winning actor playing a role?

Which part of you are you most protective of?

The real you or the ones you show off?

I’ve said before, but I will say it again: The crux of who you are is hidden for few to view

And bask in your cheer, hope and self-esteem.

Of all the masks you’ve worn over time,

Which do you want to be ‘you’?

Is your identity a bricolage of family, friends, colleague,

Ethnicity, race, religion, and cultural ‘norms’?

What happens to the mask when the identity shatters?

Do you also fall apart, lose control, and spin like a top,

Unknowing what your next mask will represent?

It seems to me, after much consideration, experience

That who you are is reflected in your eyes,

Where your soul reaches out to impose its wisdoms,

In order for self satisfaction and acceptance to

Coexist in harmony with your favorite mask!