“SELF ESTEEM-ED”  {IN SPOKEN WORD}

“baby, how do I look in these jeans?”  
“girl, I‘m wearin’ a new dress;    
yeah, I’m lookin’ fine as can be…”    
nails done, hair right…how is it possible that he still can’t see    
I go through a lot of trouble,
not to mention expense…    
so that HE
can validate ME??…    
   
yes, sistas that is the way many of us seek    
appreciation and approval from the men that we meet…    
   
failing to actually realize…    
that he cannot restore self pride…    
that comes from something more deep…    
inside…    
take your eyes…    
see yourself…and no one else...    
it's a free ride...    
seated at the throne…YES,this is where a queen resides    
I use myself as a guide…    
   
no 2nd opinion required…    
I am my own prize…    
shit, I don’t need you…    
to approve…    
I can rub on my own thighs…    
then, look myself deeply in the eyes…    
   
and say, "girl, you got it goin’ on!"

I hear ya'll hollin' bout "I don’t need a man"…your friend replies…”that’s right girl…”    
well, sorry girls, that’s wrong…    
   
we need our kings in every way…    
but from inside though, you must first be strong…    
   
now, I would like to spin this personally…    
here’s what I see, when I look at me    
   
there may be a couple of things that sag…    
but, NO,  I do not feel bad    
   
I am a woman who is 100% real    
not a “made for t.v.” feel    
didn’t buy it at the mall    
and no surgical phone calls    
   
all natural parts…plus my natural heart    
I AM a work of art…    
   
I give myself a thrill…    
I am my own pill…    
take you to another place… mind and body    
confident in ALL my skills    
   
self esteem…hmm…where does that apply to me?    
I am an intelligent, competent, beautiful black queen…    
no one else I have to ask…    
that is a check only I can cash