avatarNicole Sponsel

Summary

The poem "POEM OF WORTH" reflects on the emotional toll of feeling indebted in relationships and the journey towards self-worth and independence.

Abstract

The poem "POEM OF WORTH" delves into the emotional complexities of personal relationships where one might feel they are constantly proving their worth through small acts of kindness, often unacknowledged. The author ponders the idea of being trapped in a cycle of emotional debt, questioning when the tally of 'nickels and dimes' will be enough to earn freedom and self-acceptance. The narrative transitions from a sense of owing and saving to a realization of inner strength and the decision to no longer measure self-worth through the approval of others. The poem concludes with a triumphant declaration of personal wealth in love and resilience, despite material losses, and an invitation to join in celebrating life's richness regardless of external circumstances.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that self-worth should not be contingent upon the approval or emotional 'payment' from loved ones.
  • There is a critique of the practice of keeping score of good deeds in relationships, implying that true love and support should be unconditional.
  • The poem conveys a journey from feeling emotionally indebted and undervalued to embracing self-reliance and intrinsic value.
  • The imagery of collecting 'shiny coins' symbolizes the accumulation of emotional strength rather than financial wealth.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of breaking free from toxic dynamics that demand constant emotional payment.
  • The poem encourages readers to find joy and richness in life beyond material possessions and to celebrate this liberation with others.
  • There is an underlying message of resilience, as the author has endured hardships ('lost my physical finances and more') but still finds reason to 'dance in the rain.'
  • The author extends an invitation to readers to reflect on their own relationships and to consider the emotional toll of 'nickel and diming' within them.

POEM OF WORTH

Do You Nickel and Dime Your Supposed Loved Ones?

Do you charge them small emotional fees that add up over time?

Photo by Shot by Cerqueira on Unsplash

Have I earned my worth yet? As it seems, I always owe It’s been so long I’ve been saving; time ticks so slow

Do you have a mental tally of all my little deeds worth paying What’s the goal; am I out of debt or still on loan and praying

Whose view counts when I see my selfless care as priceless But still, need to prove myself till I render my soul lifeless

Sums of nickels and dimes have earned my inner passage to freedom Nothing’s left, but still, I will catch my own ride and won’t need ‘em

Shiny coins I once gathered with the hands that wiped my tears Are gone but remembered for the strength that fought my fears

I will no longer follow a tollway paved with emotional coin buckets Or lose my limbs as I stretch my life with infinite cuts and ruckus

Alleluia, I may have lost my physical finances and more to sustain But my heart is rich in love for others as I happily dance in the rain

Join me in celebration dances in all weathers of the world.

If you enjoy reading stories like these and want to support me as a writer, consider signing up to become a Medium member. It’s only $5 a month, giving you unlimited access to all stories on Medium without ads. If you sign up using my link, I’ll earn a small commission.

Poetry
Poem
Self Improvement
Relationships
Mental Health
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarremi ;༊
to be loved is to be known

Our Beloved Summer (2021)

2 min read
avatarnabil
Some wounds linger forever

Time will heal. Or perhaps, not.

3 min read
avatarKieran Hunter
A poem about self & loss

2 min read
avatarcherie
the loneliest object in the world.

"What do you think is the loneliest object in the world?" he asked.

5 min read
avatarKris Gage
How to *really* know you’re in love

Because most of “the signs” they tell you are garbage

4 min read
avatarHaven Diaries
how strange that we became strangers so easily

Isn’t it strange how two people who once shared secrets under the stars, said “I love you” to each other, dreamed together, and understood…

2 min read