A Thousand Times, Yes
Deeply personal and hopefully inspiring, Love in 50 Words Challenge Entry on a noteworthy but not worth celebrating day!
Doth thou love thee?
I ask the question
but know the answer
deep down, at least
But don’t voice it
loud or often enough
Doth thee love thee?
yes, a thousand times yes
I repeat
Though fight and deny it
I need to believe it
I love me
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
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📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/22/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocalabout 13 hours ago in Resources
Comments (21)
It can definitely be hard to love yourself sometimes. You captured those feelings very well here
Relatable! I don’t like myself anymore. It’s hard to do. And it’s getting harder man. How come you don’t celebrate bdays? I didn’t for a long time then I did briefly now I don’t do anything.
Happy Belated Birthday, Paul! Maybe awkward to write and publish, but not to read! Glad you did it anyway!
Belated Happy “You are Unique and Precious Day”🤩… since you don’t celebrate birthdays 🤗. A thought provoking poem… every needs love… including ourselves.
Happy birthday anyway! I suppose we all share the sentiment of loving ourselves sometimes and not very much at other times.
Finest expression about one's inner fight, most important to be aware.
I share your feelings. That is why I wrote Learning to Love Myself First and Foremost back in Nov/ dec.
love the poem-- and the message---nice work
I’m glad you love yourself - especially today. Completely respect not celebrating your birthday but I’ll wish you an amazing week instead. This was so good.
I know you didn't want anyone to wish you and I respect that but I want to declare today as King Paul Day Loved your poem! 🍩🥐
Such an important reminder to love ourselves, Paul. Very relatable since it is not always easy to do!
Everyone should love themselves <3 BTW, you're still la baby. 1980 makes you a youngin, lol
I did not get the aim of this until the last line. Then when I got it, it fell into place. Happy Birthday!!! Because... and here... cake too👉🎂😉
This piece carries a quiet, yet powerful resonance. The vulnerability and honesty in those lines hit home—raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. Your journey of self-love, especially shared on a day significant to you, is both inspiring and brave. Happy you day, no celebrations needed—just admiration for a beautifully penned reminder to love ourselves.
Happy birthday (just because you told me not to).
Always good to love yourself. I love you too. It has to be a plus! :oD
Love this, Paul; a really profound reminder and question that far too often is not answered in the affirmative. Thanks for sharing this, good sir!
I'm glad I removed the "doth" from my entry lol! great work pal. I raised the word count thing on discord too.
Amazing poem! Great work!
Important message, Paul
It is so cool to love oneself. Nothing wrong in reminding yourself of that. Good job.