Long before the first man acknowledged it; you were beautiful.
Long before your class teacher mentioned it; you were intelligent.
You had excelled long before they were proud of you
Long before they declared your bright future; you were shining.
Long before their compliments came; Child, you were.
Long after their compliments fade; Child, you’ll be.
Before they sang your praises, you had slain your giants
Long before they acknowledged your presence; you were there.
Long after they’ve claimed or slandered you; you’ll be.
Before you become a key in their stack of hay, remember
Long before their compliments came; Child, you were.
Long after their compliments fade; Child, you’ll be.
By Liza Chuma Akunyili on .
Exported from Medium on February 2, 2026.