I want to love myself.

No, I don't mean the kind of love

That's there when I say I'm beautiful

Because I look half as decent as other girls

Or when I dress in pretty clothes

And not even when I do what I'm told

Just because that's what makes them stay.

I don't want to love myself

Based upon these superficial facts,

Where I fit right in just to feel alive

And where I avoid the hate behind white lies.

I don't want to get up everyday

Like every other person

Put on my mask and dance along

To a song sung by everyone.

I don't want to love myself

Just because my parents do,

Just because I'm a good girl

Just because people praise me

And tell me I'm perfect.

Why should my self-love reside in the eyes of others?

I want the kind of love that comes from within.

The kind that doesn't push me into a mold

And tell me that I have to suck it in.

But this must be a love which has no eyes

Nor a mouth with wings to fly.

For the eyes can see demons

And words can always die.

I just need arms to pull me up

And strength within my lungs.

Maybe then I will love myself.