Today I faltered
I was not all I expected
myself to be
I was less than perfect
I think I was even dumb
Making the same mistakes over
again.

What shall I do about this?
Shall I chastise myself,
Feel guilty and beat myself
down?
Or shall I love and forgive
myself,
As I might a child?

For tomorrow is a new day
And offers a new beginning
Tomorrow I can be all I know
I am –
All that is within me to be.

I will not give up on myself
For I have worked hard to
become what I am.
Only the condition of being
human
Keeps me from being perfect.
And if I were perfect,
What would I strive for?
Towards what would I grow?

Yes, I will forgive and love
myself,
For there is hope for me yet.

(2/4/77)

Sandra E. Block is a student at Santa Monica College, and is editor of the Stories and Poems section of VOICES. She graduates in June.