𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: "I Excel" by Nicole S. Tambis

 

Published by: Kassandra Aman 

Date Published: February 2, 2024

Time Published: 9:30 AM

Category: Poetry

Theme: Academic Validation

I rose to rags; I am the picture of perfection—I live—I excel

My breath continuous for the praise—I weep—I excel

I can't seem to close my eyes; it's too painful—though with this, I excel

They know the hellish root, but for them—I excel

I study, and I cry, and I pray, and I live—all is well; I know I excel

And I say: "Without this, I am nothing." 'Tis the guilt—

I look down and forget the rigorous nights I've spent. 

With one flaw, I descend; the agony—long withstand

To achieve such a goal, I must persist and resist,

I must beg for a miracle—I must be the ideal I embody to exist. 

The shame of an imbecile, "thou shall never experience"—

The pride that you bring comes and flows within—

"All you've been was perfect since you are also me,

Never bring dishonor in our name; I believe in you, my being."

I bring forth achievements, through guts and glory,

I shall see myself as everything but a trophy—

I am more than what I know; I am more than what I show,

Without perfection—still, I excel. 

I live, and I pray, and I cry, and I study—a never-ending day—

For the eternal future, one must ought to be.

IMAGE SOURCE:

Kingman, E. (1963). Figura Afligida. artnet. https://www.artnet.com/artists/eduardo-kingman/figura-afligida-idIZ2x_ULFmvm1FlrFkDyw2