Vanity

By: Ccep J. Dew

Am I vain because I like what I see
When I stare at the reflection of me?
I love the way I look: my chestnut eyes
Reveal my soul; they never lie.
Am I conceited because I feel
High self-esteem is real?
And mine reaches the apex
Of what may be a hex
To other females who don’t seem to understand
That you hold self-worth not in the palm of your hand
But, in your mind.

I’m fine…
No, not okay.
Not everything is swell.
I mean, in the category of beauty, I excel.
I know that I’m beautiful, as well as unique
From the roots of my hair to the soles of my feet.
Baby, I’m number one:
Second to none,
Cause if I don’t love myself
Why should anyone else?

My body is mine: I wear what I please
As long, tight, short or as loose as I need.
It’s not an invitation, it’s a declaration of me.
You may look and wonder, but don’t touch what you see.

I am a goddess: my body is not an object to be used.
It’s a sacred temple and should never be abused.
I’ve been called a Caramel Coated Ebony Princess.
I consider myself royalty, so why settle for anything less?

Call me “conceited” cause the glory of my loveliness I preach?
Call me “high maintenance” because I’m not within your reach?
I’ll accept that, but all it means
Is that you’re green
Degrading me because of your envy, hate, and jealousy?
Please!
Bow down or fall to both knees.

I’m the sun: man can’t survive without my shine.
I’m darkness: concealing faults and truth, I keep man blind.
I’m air: man needs me to live
And if I refuse to give
Man will perish from the world…

If I love myself I’m called “conceited” and commit the sin of vanity
But, if I don’t I have low self-esteem and hold on to insecurity?
Wow! There’s no middle, no moderation
So, I’ll deny the latter with no hesitation.

I am what I am.
You are what I see.
The world is mine if that’s what I believe.
So, your opinion is a waste of thoughts;
Don’t let your words fall on me
Because your self-hate hasn’t blossomed into the beauty of my VANITY.