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Poetry
Measure Up
May 9, 2026
They say to be self aware
And I try to follow suit.
As far as I can tell
My effort is there,
Do I have a break in my code?
Are my configurations
from my mind
To my actions
Not accurate?
Is who I think I am
So far removed
From what is executed?
I put my working boots on
To expel my efforts,
But there seems to be a disconnect.
Am I being judged harshly
Or am I not the industrious
Being that I think I am?
Hard to know
What to think of yourself sometimes
When there are so many judges
With their own filters.
But if the judge is reasonable
And fair,
Do I measure up?
In my adult life I try
To prove to myself
That I am not the small child
Bullied by my teachers
For my struggles.
I try to be open
To what others have to say
But when the critiques feel
Particularly sharpened
I am six years old again
Trying to find
A corner to cry in
In the classroom.
Editor: Michelle Newman
About the Poet
Isis Zystrid is a poet who lives in Shoreline, Washington with her husband and cat Ferbert Pythagoras. She won the Editor's Choice Award for Poetry at the Seattle Erotic Art Festival in 2025. When she's not writing or doing mutual aid work, she enjoys underwater basket weaving. You can reach her at poetryplantsatree@gmail.com, Facebook.com/isis.zystrid.poetry, or Instagram.com/isiszystridpoetry.
Yosh S.
July 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this, and I think you stated some of my own struggles perfectly. Beautifully said, especially "...so many judges/With their own filters." The last part about becoming that child again is so well said and relatable. I loved this.
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