Let me tell you a story of a girl, I once knew.
Shy and always bashful, afraid to take on anything new.

Tried so hard to please as she grew older,
But alas, never became any bolder.

In her efforts to please, she made wrong decisions and judgements,
Some knowing of her nature, did not hesitate to use her,
And when she found the courage to refuse, was rebuked,
with nasty comments.

The people whom she thought were friends, turned out to be the worst,
They belittled and patronized and talked behind her back,
She was quite oblivious to their viperous attacks.

She realized her dreadful plight,
And abandoned all she knew.

Solitude became her companion,
She reflected upon her past as a learning task,
And appreciates the lessons she has learned.

Her friends she chooses wisely, and treats them as they treat her, with kindness and respect.

No longer is she the humble one sitting alone on the shelf,
For the lessen she learned the best,
Was how to respect herself.

                                       (ljs)