Empire by Marisa Bernhard

and just so you know perfection was not invented yesterday – victory is not a patented market

and triumph has many spectacular shades just like joseph’s coat of many colors

did you all know cheerleaders come in all shapes and forms –

just like achievement it cannot be measured from the top of a pin –

the wise secret no one seems to want to admit to

is that pin holds an infinite amount… indeed there is enough

as st. augustine said

“take what you need; the remainder is needed by others”

who quarried your “corner market” – all polished and shiny…

their voices echoes in the halls you did not build

yet they stand behind you

encouraging

and proud

still the boulevard is not bare

it is filled with past and present

who are still growing

and who are not done yet

do not forget them

and let’s not condescend them

their voices are not to be reckoned with – because they seem fearful, but they are most vulnerable which makes them braver….

show up, and cheer them on, I ask this of you

be a fan even if it is from the cheap seats –

it may not look conventional –

some efforts don’t have to,

I hear put your money where your mouth is, often –

but cash is not clean to be near my lips

so now I dream of days I can do what I want for my future, and for now I will build my empire

cheer me on, or don’t

laugh at me, or wonder

can these words sting, heal or did I make my point

I wrote this poem today (in one hour)

can you