One day I cried

For all the times I did not feel good enough…

For failures and break-ups,

Sliding scales and missed opportunities.

Until one day I discovered

That beneath the perceptions of lack,

My heart was held

In the tender palms of my own steadfast hands.

A powerful muscle pumping courage through my tiny veins.

A seemingly fragile part of me,

That had been strengthened by my own commitment…

Tending to its needs, health, and security.

One day I cried

For the heart that would always be loved…

For its existence and its faith,

For its fight and determined resoluteness.

For its subtle beat of dignity and respect.