from the depths of my mind, they flutter free

self-esteem

No amount of praise
no matter how it is phrased
can pacify her nagging doubt
gnawing from the inside, out.

Does she not know of her merit?
To be a fraction as gifted, what would we not give!
These displays of diffidence and self-hate
when heard by others, only frustrate.

Does she not know of her Midas touch?
Awe strikes all who watch
as she carefully crafts works of art
that pierces our minds, souls, and hearts!

Her genius inspires and wonders
and simultaneously shatters
every bit of our self-esteem.
To even reach her worst, we can only dream!

Among those who witness her gift
some grow envious; others quit.
Then there are those left questioning
if their paths are still worth pursuing.

But she is not the only one;
there are others who are brilliant
who, too, deflect adulation
and insist on their imperfections.

People like her claim normality
or even inferiority! Pure insanity!
On what basis? Less experience? Less effort?
That is what talent is—with less, they can do more!

People like her claim that there are others
who are far better, and they are plenty in number.
Do these people not know that there are far, far more
who are beneath them? We told them, we swore!

Why do the skillful deny their aptitude?
Why must they be insecure?
Oh tell me, I would love to know
why such bright minds think so.

Yet it is the subpar who beam with belief;
it is they who need to learn to be meek!
Oh if confidence could be transferred
I would drain it from them and inject it into her.

I know well my level and my place;
my best is as good as her waste.
That, fellow plebeians, is the difference
between us and natural brilliance.

Perhaps we shall have to stomach
that she may never accept
all the admiration she truly deserves.
Though I hope—I truly do—she will see her worth.