Poems by
L. Murphy UP IN AGE, BUT TENDER LOOKS BY SIGHT Getting up there but not yet on the Hill, another day counts as an added one for my scale of getting older, weighing my thoughts on looks, on other people’s expressions when they look at me. So I thought compliments are good— hear it almost every day: how cute my eyes are, my skin color, etc. It lifts me up when I’m most vulnerable at times, but most cannot tell. I guess it’s up in age, but tender looks by sight. I feel sunshine in my heart. My walk has laughter in it. When I move forward, heads turn to see or guess how much sugar is stirring in my yams. Could be up in age, but tender looks by sight. I remove my way of thinking about somebody else’s looks when the years are slowly appearing on mine, but not as quickly as others. I use what the earth has to offer and my higher power to preserve my looks— to be tender as I age gracefully. Look at me. Then you’ll see.
ME AGAINST ME Get out of my way, Self! Speaking to myself. Why? Well, I know me so well and it’s tearing me apart. Get out of my way, Self! Again speaking to myself. Why? Well, I’m not following my own advice anymore. Too many distractions— people, places, and of course, things seem to always get in the picture. Well, my picture perfect world that I live in and won’t allow anybody to get in—okay? Once again I say, Get out of my way, Self! It’s just me against me and only me. I have to make the first move on how things should be or go in my life. Right? I know I can do it! I know I can. Lord, can you help?
Situations15
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