Self-Doubt

 Poem © 2013 by Joyce Mason

All Rights Reserved

 Thank you for spinning me into self-doubt

your perfectionism a magnifying mirror

of my own.

My creations rendered ugly by your measure

words only a mother could love

the baby spanked with your measuring stick

before it draws its first independent breath.

I’m grateful for the preview

of the moments that will terrify me

when my uniqueness confronts others

more concerned with form than substance.

I’m better prepared.

I stood up to you.

Self-doubt will not be

the boss of me.

My child will go out into the world

find its own way

make its unique contribution

and if it wears purple spiked hair

with a gray flannel suit

self-expression and reverence for custom

will meet in an explosive synergy

a blast that leaves in its rubble

the best of all worlds

an explosion that might just change forever

the one where we used to (almost) live.

~~~

Photo Credit: © Aleksandar Todorovic - Fotolia.com