To join in the modern day celebrations for St. Valentine’s Day, here is a Valentine’s Day Poem – a Self-Love Poem for Her:- Love Yourself First. What, Even Girls like Us?
It is from my heart and dedicated to all the women I’ve met – and will meet, over the years who learn to love and value themselves as you survive and thrive from abuse and sexual exploitation.
It is offered to all young girls and women who feel love is outside of themselves and something “someone” else has to give you, to validate yourself. I believe women are the bedrock of society and we need to work together to empower young girls and women to stand strong, find the love inside and shine.
‘Heads Up’ About Valentine’s Day Poem – Self-love Poem for her
I was in two minds whether to post this poem because it isn’t your usual love poem, especially on St. Valentine’s Day.
The poem is very graphic and may offend some of you.
However, given the history and legends surrounding Valentine’s Day and the fact love comes in all shapes and forms. We are not all born with a silver spoon in our mouth. I am sharing this poem in honour of the women who inspired me to write it.
How Do You Celebrate Valentine’s Day And Show Your Love?
Nowadays, Valentine’s Day is associated with love and romance and the amount of “love and affection” (i.e. gifts and money spent on your partner) is seen as crucial to the survival of your relationship.
However, there is a dark side to the widespread commercialisation of St. Valentine’s Day.
I read this article about the way the environment is abused and people’s lives exploited to produce the flowers and chocolates associated with this day. It made me sad and reflect upon the way we value life and ways we chose to show our love and affection for others.
Learning To Love Yourself First – Is the Greatest Love of All
Like most of you, I’m on a journey of self-love and through my blogs and teaching yoga and meditation, I also aspire to support you to surrender to love and love yourself first.
Many years ago, I worked in a Women’s Refuge. I thought I was aware and in touch with matters affecting women. However, working at the Women’s Refuge left a mark in my heart. The stories the ladies shared and horrors they went through to survive and ultimately thrive make me marvel at the strength and beauty of spirit.
Today’s poem is in honour of all women on the path of self-love and loving yourself first.
Valentine’s Day Poem – Self-Love Poem For You
Love Yourself First. What, Even Girls Like Us?
c. Ntathu Allen, 2009
For so long she had been fed the story, started to believe
That girls like her didn’t deserve it all,Didn’t deserve her share of the American dream; didn’t deserve the niceties of life,
The finer, sweeter slice of apple pie.Girls like her. Girls like her? Who were girls like her?
Girls like her were girls of victory, a prize to be had at the end of a long busy day;
a whore to be slapped, shagged, and struck to the ground for daring to fulfil your darkest fantasy.Girls like her, were called sluts, tarts, whores and nasty bits of filth who you shat upon and trod back into the earth –after you’ve had your fun.
Yes, girls like her.
Yes, girls like her- girls like her, girls who were born as princesses, as all girls are,
Girls born full of promise, bright-eyed and bushy tail,
Girls who set out to slay the dragon and still bathe in the golden Milky Way.Yet where had it all gone wrong, why are you here, sitting, alone, torn, soiled and bare?
Where was the knight in shining armour?
The hunky hunk that was supposed to save your bacon and still bring home the bacon?
Where was he when our little fairy tale princess needed a hand. A tender touch to see her through, to open doors and take her hat and coat as they sat for Afternoon Tea?
Yes, where was he? Was this really “her man”? The one by her side who deviled her body and treated her like a worn-out carcass fed to the dogs?
Wasn’t he supposed to be by your side, to “love, honour and cherish you till death do-us-part?”
Where was The Prince Charming story you were sold to believe in?
Where is that Knight in Shining Armour?
The gallant soldier you were told who would come and save you and bring you back to life with a kiss?
Yes. Where was he?
Where is that Knight in shining armour?
The Robin Hood who robbed the rich to save the poor and uphold his Maid’s honour?
This is the key.
That knight in shining armour – as all real princesses know, is the knight inside your soul, the knight who guides and tells you what to do.
That knight in shiny armour is your skill, your determination, kindred spirit wrapped up in dusty pink cotton socks and tea for three – me, myself and I;
For as real princesses grow and know, Prince Charming does exist, the knight in shiny armour is still alive, buried deep in the heart of your soul, where your dreams reside, where you go and hide when the world kicks you down and worries threaten to overwhelm you.
Yes, dear sisters, women of old, there is a pot of gold, not at the end of the rainbow or the Yellow Brick road, but nestled inside; nestled deep within – that double rainbow which radiates through your soul – is Your Knight in Shining Armour.
So little princesses, hussies’, whores, queens and slag – whatever they call you, remember you are more than they will ever know, you are the star in the galaxy, the lighthouse and harbour for the footprints waiting in the wings.
You are the legacy waiting to arrive.
Remember, when the days seem long and the blues batter your door and Prince Charming is nowhere to be found, just remember where she is to be found. Here. Resting, securely, within the bosom of your soul.
So, blessed sistahs, regardless of your story, if you feel alone, sad, unhappy and blue, just remember to breathe, touch the diamonds glistening deep within, reconnect with your yin and your yang, smile, stand strong and be The Queen Bee you truly born to be.”
Conclusion and Reflections
Well…what did you think of of this Valentine’s Day Poem for Her?
Was it what you expected for a Valentine’s Day Poem?
Are there parts of the poem you can identify with and call your own?
I know I can.
There have been times in my life when I gave my power away and didn’t stand up for what I believed and knew was right for me.
However, life is for living and learning and through our circle of love, we support and uplift each other.
What’s Your Story of Loving Yourself First?
I’d love to hear your story of surrendering to love and loving yourself first
Share your comments below because your story can help another woman overcome their pain and feel stronger. Thank you.
Closing Prayer
As usual, may you and everyone dear to your heart be healthy, happy and well.
Keep lovin’, healing and being the shining star of the universe you truly are.
Namaste
Ntathu
Yes an important poem to read on Valentines. Yes some did resonate with me. More so for women who I’ve known or worked with over the years. Yes girls must know that they are the greatest love of themselves.
Yes, learning to know we are our greatest love, is an important lesson to know. And you are doing great work working with women.
I love myself most because in every condition my self being my friend,partner and relatives. He never abdicated me so that I love my self a lot.