Though callouses spot my palms

and sometimes curls my back,

I am beautiful for the hard work in my stride,

for the slick slothfulness which I lack.

Though my eyes are not so wide anymore

and they pinch and grow weary with time,

I am refined for the long hours I read

and the sweet wisdom I make mine.

This world wants me to feel worthless,

for my soft frame and uneven gait.

I am made merciful by my forgiveness,

and strong, to abstain from hate.

By my refusal to stray I am static.

I am human because of my fears.

I am calming because of my nature,

and loving because of my tears.

The world would have me think

I am ugly because of my scars,

but I know I’m made lovely by a kindness,

which shines brighter than all of their stars.

I am flawless because of my flaws,

made beautiful by the beauties you can’t see.

I am better than flattering words and second looks,

and I am brave because I choose to be.

The mirror refuses to see it,

and so does the world most of the time.

But I see inside myself, and there is a light

which I will continue, forever, to shine.

The faults on our outsides,

are as unimportant as we choose them to be.

Always remember you are flawless,

and that you choose what people see.