To Samara,

Don’t let the world tell you you’re conceited because you have

Courage to see your own beauty in the mirror every morning.

Know that the distance between humility and modesty is 7,500 miles

and I’d rather watch others question who you are and laugh at your mystery,

than watch you diminish your essence for their comfort.

To Keisha,

It’s okay to be shy because I know that the tenderness

of your palms hold wild flowers and

a crackling promise that your timidity will not hold you back.

You will take starved dreams and carve galaxies in their bones.

Watch this universe deify the callouses on your heels.

To Rikzim,

Constellations are mapped in the velvet creases your mind,

Trace them with your fingertips.

You who is part Warrior part Grace

I watch you conquer trials you never deserved.

For being Woman, you inspire me.

To all of you,

Please understand this -

Love does not flow out a faucet held by others.

It lies in the folds of your growing body and shelters

inside of you; waiting for you to discover them.

Find it.

Accept it.

Treasure it.