Jennifer’s poem, an exclusive for Different Truths, aims to show someone their true worth through the speaker’s eyes, urging them to forgive themselves and recognise their kindness.

If I could just take this moment
To begin to tell you how
You’ve made such a difference
In my life all this time
 
Maybe if you could see yourself
Through my eyes for this moment
And know that I am grateful
For each time you’ve been there for me
And if you could just glimpse
The power
Of how much I sure love you
Then maybe you’d
Cut yourself some slack
This one time when you need it most
 
For you see yourself as a loser
But that’s so far from the truth
You’re the kindest soul
I’ver met
On this planet earth
 
You give and give and give some more
Till you’re just run dry
It’s no wonder that you’re empty
And all you want to do is cry
 
If I could just take this moment
To begin to tell you how
You’ve made such a difference
In my life all this time
 
Maybe if you could see yourself
Through my eyes for this moment
And know that I am grateful
For each time you’ve been there for me
And if you could just glimpse
The power
Of how much I sure love you
Then maybe you’d
Cut yourself some slack
This one time when you need it
 
So just because you made a mistake
And now have to make amends
Doesn’t make you the loser
That you think this situation rends
 
There’s got to be a balance between
Good and good and less-than-good
You’re not a bad person, man,
Just an imperfect human being
 
And if you can forgive yourself this once
For your imperfection
Then we’ll all stand a chance one day
When we’re in your shoes
 
We’re all just a work in progress
Orange cones everywhere
Potholes that need fixing
And weathered tires to repair
 
No one needs us to be perfect
We just need to do our best
And if our best isn’t good enough
Then we should give it a rest
 
Maybe if you could see yourself
Through my eyes for this moment
And know that I am grateful
For each time you’ve been there for me
And if you could just glimpse
The power
Of how much I sure love you
Then maybe you’d
Cut yourself some slack
This one time when you need it most

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Jennifer Gurney

Jennifer Gurney lives in Colorado, where she teaches, paints, writes, and hikes. Her poetry has appeared internationally in a wide variety of journals, two of her poems have won international contests, and one was recently turned into a choral piece for a concert. Jennifer’s first book of poetry, My Eyes Adjusting, has recently been published.

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