The Shining { A Message to My Daughter }

     
     
listen to the man in front of you      
not your girlfriends      
or the ghosts of boyfriends past      
or the voice in your head      
feeding you ideologies of what a man should be      
listen to the man in front of you      
     
...      
     
take a step back from the fire      
for a moment      
see him for who he is      
not for what you want him to be      
or what you think his potential could be      
     
...      
     
listen..      
then watch how he moves      
that is the comparison you should be making      
peep the energy he keeps around him      
the kind of things he entertains      
his ...extravagances      
check for self discipline and character      
his level of accountability      
what kind of life is he building?      
is it a vision or a delusion?      
do not confuse his education with intellect      
or his strength with resolve      
same goes for you      
     
..      
     
take time for some honest self analysis      
examine your pros and cons      
your needs and your wants      
where your life is headed and is he a compatible fit      
review your behavior      
and his response to your behavior      
then and ask yourself      
what was it that drew you to this man      
and what is it that keeps you drawn to this man      
     
...      
     
is it a relationship      
you are cultivating with him?      
are you trying to relate to him?      
or is it strictly about how he makes you feel?      
in what context do you want him?      
     
...      
     
once again      
back away from the fire      
     
..      
     
separate how you feel about him      
and what doesn't feel right      
and what you know for sure      
     
...      
     
remember      
love doesn't give a fuck about logic      
use your intellect and intuition      
to help guide your heart      
cuz with or without this man in front of you      
your soul is always going to be      
your own responsibility      
do you have a fundamental      
love for yourself?      
     
...      
     
if you're the grown woman      
you claim to be      
then take responsibility for your life      
cuz beyond all the advice      
beyond all the emotional support      
you're going to have to carry the weight      
of your decisions all by yourself      
     
...      
     
     
once again      
do you have a fundamental      
love for yourself?      
     
...      
     
just know this  
when you get off the phone  
when you turn off the laptop      
turn off the lights and close your eyes      
your truth always will be there waiting for you      
shining in the darkness      
     
...