"FOR MY GIRLS" by Michelle Mangal

When I wake in the pale grey lightmy heart is calmmy head is filled with thoughts and wistful yearningthoughts of words and girls that mean so much to mefor I am a mistress of all trades and master of noneexcept one.Love.

I know that you have lived many livesand sometimes your lives seem to narrowlike the dark London streets you walk inYou’ve got an old head and young shouldersYou won’t sink but can’t really swim.Sister, aunty, daughter, mother.I talk, and I tell you this:Beauty is in the eye of the beholderAnd you are beautiful to meYour many lives may take time to outgrowbut you have already walked thousands of milesand you have slipped the mantle of adversityfrom your slight, sagging shouldersYou know love.That is the biggest gift anyone can have.

So, when you feel weary and blueYour inner skies seem greyRemember the blood of royalty runs in your veinsYou have already lived more than one woman’s lifeand survived.That is your strength andyour anchor.Never let a man tell you who you are andwhat you are not.Don’t listen to the lies in your heador words from people who do not truly love you.Smile.Give yourself a blank page every day.Smile again.In time you will give your gift to the worldAs I give these small, humble words to you.

(Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash)