we can be as ugly as we are beautiful

desires can turn out our smiles

remind us of only self

force us to scream for the stage

when in reality its not yet our turn

sometimes we have to listen to everyone else 

before they listen to us

sometimes the pain that we are fed

is actually inspiration

its a matter of perception

I wont apologize for taking on the weight 

of everyone else's struggle

and then needing your ear                          

who else do I have

I know it is Allah who I can always turn to

but in addition He has given me a love 

from whom I can learn from

so my patience is growing slow like a tree but it is growing

waiting for you to hear me 

and know that I need to hear you

there is enough faith in me to know that it wont always hurt

there is enough humble in me to find the mirror

there is enough perseverance in me to grow beyond my own pain and faults

there is enough love in me to see you coming

there is enough vision in me to see us blossom

as the world awakens

screaming for her freedom

my heart is pierced by the injustice she faces

and you have become my safe haven

tell me I am beautiful

tell me i am BEAUTIFUL...

New Jersey 2006 /  My 5 yr. Nephew, Photographer