Got Myself In Check Poem by Alex Perez

I hear a voice within myself; speaking directly through the heart that beats inside me,

It must be the continuous struggle that my bad choices I made that pushes away the pride I see.

The more I look… It's like there's none left inside of me.

I'm no stranger to hard times,

There's no doubt that my linguistics are clever in some of my artistic rhymes,

I keep myself moving along the path of a poet when the sun no longer shines.

I'm beyond being misjudged,

There's no doubt that there's anger inside of my heart; but there's not a single part of me that holds a grudge,

I just try to put some stride in my glide and continue on til I'm no longer face to face with a judge.

I'm tired of putting everything that's so important on hold,

I'm the one with three aces in the hole but I keep saying I fold.

It doesn't make sense for any of my decisions to have similarities to a lifestyle that's past tense,

I walk around calling myself a king while acting like a prince.

My present life seems like an unnecessary contradiction,

But it's that poetic passion that I possess that kills the stress and it's my strongest addiction.

I'm used to not having any encouragement from anyone that hears the pain I speak or write; but I fight to keep inspiring myself,

The world doesn't realize my true potential because they're chasing their own dreams looking for wealth.

I understand… so I remain a student in life just learning as I go; just doing my best,

My only problem was that I let go of my priorities due to the stress,

But who am I kidding… I'm not perfect but I'm doing my best,

And I don't know why I ever worried because I knew it was just a test.

My success will be determined on whether If I'm willing to do what I have to do without breaking my neck,

That's why I thank god I took the time… to get myself in check.

Alex Perez 2011