Reflecting

Reflecting by Valerie Parente

When she reflects on her behavior
she sees her full figure
a girl who longed to be the healer
of someone as dear as a stranger
a person who liked to treat her
like she was just a feature
of what he saw in the mirror
until he found someone weaker
whose insecurity stroked his ego deeper
and now she couldn’t see it any clearer
that this hellish pain is what freed her.

– Valerie Parente (6-30-2020)

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The Way You Treat Me

The Way You Treat Me by Valerie Parente

The way you treat me is not a reflection of my worth
it’s a reflection of yours.
Your value is dictated by your ability to value.
And you will be graced when you show gratitude.
Because I expect
you to project
a level of respect
based on the emotional needs
you should have already met.

– Valerie Parente (6-17-2019)