Self Esteem

You took from me
that which was not yours to take
- my self esteem
and you gave nothing in return
save your bitterness and pain

You stripped me of the love
that I have built up all my life
which kind, loving people have taught me to feel
And you replaced it with anger
With shame and self loathing

You robbed me of hope
Stealing my faith and courage
That gave me the strength you so envied
And in its place, you planted fear
And darkness -
The seed of resentment

But I am a far better farmer than you
I shall cleanse the still fertile soil
And sow seeds of love, and tend them
I shall reclothe myself with robes of kindness
And arrest the theif that once stole my heart