know your worth

Don’t sell yourself short.

Stand tall when you fall.

Know what you’re worth.

What are you made of?

When people talk junk,

know that it’s made up.

When you wake up, get up.

Look in the mirror and see

yourself as a grand prize.

You’re worth more than

you realize. Chest out. Chin

up. You’re a freaking rooster.

The rest of them are ducks.

No need to be a vacuum

when the world already sucks.

Blaze a path. No need to do

the math. Cha-ching. You are

rare art: the very best thing.

Know you’re worth more than

you ever know. Go and get it,

and never sell out. You know

what you’re about. Stand tall.

You are good enough. Know

that you are best in show.

You are priceless: the nicest.

You will never be worthless.

Don’t worry; that’s my request.

Baby Gray

Since the day you were born,

you’ve shined brighter than

a shooting star blasting across

the pitch-black sky. You glisten

in the reflection of my eye.

Your wide smile cheers me up.

Your youthful eyes tell me that

the sun will surely rise again.

At just 8 months old, you’ve

given me the ability to see

that life has many meanings.

You have taught me to love

unconditionally. You fill me

with joy and energy. I can be

me with you. I am so proud

to be your dad, baby Gray.

You’ve given me the light

that I cherish night and day.

take your time

Don’t forget to take your time

before someone takes it for you.

Breathe. Relax. This game is life

goes so fast. Smile. Laugh. Sit

back before the chickens hatch.

Enjoy your time and others will

too. Take your time. Go. Live

your life, and I will live mine.

Together, we can take small steps

on the stairwell to eternity. Then,

we will know how it feels to be

free. Look ahead: not at a watch.

Forget all that you were taught.

Don’t rush. Be patient. Say that

it will work out. Say that

it will be fine taking your time.

A Single Dream

A single dream can ignite a flame

that can light up a dark room.

A single dream can jumpstart

a dead battery or a broken heart.

A single dream can reveal a life

that only exists during the night.

A single dream can create motion

that juxtaposes life’s commotion.

A single dream can shed light

without burning too bright.

A single dream is all it takes

to get moving to the rhythm

of your choosing. Dream on

before someone else tells you

that dreaming big is wrong.