Potential

By AG

My potential is to be successful
To be a better father
To not be bothered what other people say about me
To always keep my mind free
Free of insecurities
Free to spread my wings
Free to sing
My potential is to be free
To be the Real Me
To work for a successful company
To pay bills to make ends meet
My potential is beyond what I now see
Prison cells and white concrete
To make it back to the streets
My potential is to be a normal American
To open doors to inner city kids
Suffering from poverty
That’s my potential

92 Comments

  1. Emily Gasser on April 6, 2020 at 4:59 PM

    AG,
    The words that you have compiled together have told a story that is not only inspiring, but real. You can achieve anything that you set your mind to and you have made strides simply by putting your goals down and creating a piece of art. There is always room for improving yourself and that is something that everyone in the world can relate to, no one is perfect, but you are you and that is enough. Thank you for inspiring me with your story and goals.
    Best Wishes,
    Emily

  2. Sam Allen on April 6, 2020 at 8:15 PM

    AG,
    This is really great work! It is very important to recognize that you are capable of so many things and that you can be the man you want to be as long as you set your heart to it. I can already sense your strong drive and courage. This was certainly a pleasure to read. Please keep sharing.

  3. Athena on April 6, 2020 at 8:42 PM

    Dear AG, your potential is inspiring. I know many would agree that aspiring to be successful can have many forms, but what you’ve described is truly honorable. Coming from a kid who never had a father I wish more men had the drive to be better for their children, to be free to sing; in my own life to be silly and not stern as the world forces men to be hard and tough and resist. I look forward to the day that you can be the real you, keep your dreams big and your love bigger!

  4. Nicole on April 6, 2020 at 8:47 PM

    This poem is impactful and inspiring to all. I greatly admire your self-awareness and strong motivation. Your diction makes it evident that you are passionate about your future and the great things that will come from it. I really like the theme of “potential” rather than something concrete because that shows that the world is full of choices, and a good life is simply a few well-made decisions away.

  5. Raissa Smith on April 7, 2020 at 9:59 AM

    Hello AG,
    As I was reading your poetry, you inspired me to try my best. I want to be like your poem, so strong inside and with so much energy to share. You have so much to give to our society and I know that you will reach your full potential. As I was reading your poem, your words inspired me because I was having a very difficult day, but your words move me to keep trying and to not give up. It is very sad when we do not get what we expect, but life happens. We are all humans trying to have a better life, and I know that if you try you will get a job and conquer all your goals. Spread your wings and fly and remember that the sky is the limit.

    Sincerely,

    RS

  6. Fateema Farzana on April 7, 2020 at 9:37 PM

    Your writing is powerful. The fact that you are not only being optimistic but also is prepared to spread the positivity in the society makes this poem different. With this strong mentality, one can make anything to work!

  7. Nadia on April 7, 2020 at 10:56 PM

    Understanding your own worth and potential will help set the foundation for your future. I also appreciate that one of your goals is to help children that are suffering from poverty.

  8. Ian on April 8, 2020 at 12:13 PM

    AG, I really like your poem. It has a central theme that speaks to hope for the future in a very confident and intentional way. I think it is very important to set goals with the thought that they WILL be achieved. Visualizing the future is a great way to speak new beginnings into reality. I encourage you to keep writing and stay hopeful.

  9. Natasha G. on April 8, 2020 at 4:15 PM

    This poem is extremely powerful. It shows that you have hopes and aspiration for the future and that you will work hard to be a better person for your family. Your past does nto define you, it is what you make out of your future that matters.

  10. Chris Johnson on April 9, 2020 at 10:14 AM

    Your potential is far beyond what you could ever imagine. Often times we trap ourselves in our head– it’s when we let ourselves outwardly struggle and proudly show some vulnerability to grow that we far exceed what we thought capable. Really well-written.

  11. Francisco Abate on April 9, 2020 at 12:58 PM

    Hi AG, Great poem. I like how the theme of potential grows from bettering your-self to real life possibilities. I believe that life experience is the best teacher. I want to be a better musician so I’m trying to open up to genres I don’t really like. Sometimes I think about, if I become a father, how I would share my stories to my kids. It sounds like you have great potential, and believe in your own capabilities. Keep that mindset and you will go far.

  12. Al on April 9, 2020 at 3:53 PM

    AG, this is such a beautiful poem. I was so touched by all you aspire to do. It is inspiring the way you hope to improve your own life and positively impact the lives of others. I truly believe you do have the potential to achieve everything you hope to do. I wish you the absolute best of luck.

  13. ella on April 11, 2020 at 1:22 AM

    wow! Very powerful. I especially loved it starting from “To pay bills to make ends meet” and so on. I think you are a very strong writer. This was a tender piece and I appreciate you for being so vulnerable and so real with your writing.

  14. Jordyn Salmon on April 11, 2020 at 1:11 PM

    AG,

    It is inspiring to read your poem and see that you know your own potential. Setting goals and not only hoping they will happen, but KNOWING they will happen is an important step in reaching them. Thank you for sharing this, and keep writing!

  15. Hayley Punjabi on April 13, 2020 at 11:06 AM

    Hi AG,

    I think you did a great job of outlining what holds you back from reaching your fullest potential. I like how at the end of the poem, you describe yourself using your power and your experiences to help kids that can’t see their full potentials. I think it is admirable that in seeing past “prison cells and white concrete”, you can see yourself giving back to a struggling community. Thank you for sharing! I really enjoyed learning about your vision.

  16. Kayelynn on April 13, 2020 at 12:50 PM

    Dear AG,

    I really loved the tone of your poem! I can easily tell that you’re rising up from previous circumstances to fight to have a better life. You want to help people, especially those that are confronting poverty, which is something I am passionate about as well. Keep writing and I can’t wait to see where you go from here!

  17. heysyd123 on April 13, 2020 at 1:01 PM

    I love this. I really believe that you have that potential to be anything you want to be. This poem was beautiful and it inspired me as well. I can’t wait to read more of you poems.

  18. Gianna on April 13, 2020 at 2:52 PM

    AG,

    I thought this was a wonderful poem. I could feel your sense of hope and optimism all throughout. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences as well as your future ambitions. It is clear you are motivated and hopeful, always hold onto that!

    Thank you so much for sharing, I really enjoyed your poem.
    Great Job!!

  19. Xenia de Luna on April 14, 2020 at 9:49 AM

    This is beautiful, thank you for sharing this very personal text with us.
    The statement “My potential is to be free” is so powerful and it will happen soon!
    You already have plans: to be a better father, to welcome kids, to be a normal American and most importantly; to show who YOU really are.
    Don’t pay attention to people who want to let you down, pay attention to your loved ones and the people who want to see you succeed- there are plenty of them.
    I am sure you’ll do great and that you have lots ahead of you!!

  20. Alyson on April 14, 2020 at 1:41 PM

    This is beautiful, you have so much potential, you will do great things. I love that you said you want to open doors to inner city kids, stay strong, you are going to do great things.

  21. Tim Yeung on April 15, 2020 at 11:03 PM

    The repetition makes the poem really interesting. I love how the title its super well with the poem itself. Its very simple yet super complex. I like how you combined potential with being free as freedom allows you to be who you want to be.

  22. Alejandra Martinez on April 17, 2020 at 1:31 PM

    I have a lot of sympathy for this poem. I believe one will always have the potential to do anything they set their mind too. This poem speaks so loud and I can hear the potential you’re willing to put in when released.

  23. Donovan on April 17, 2020 at 3:13 PM

    I really like the raw emotion that is conveyed throughout this poem. I like that there are a clear set of goals that you have kept in mind despite the current situation you are in. I find this to be very uplifting, and your use of repetition really emphasizes your feelings.

  24. stillplacemd on April 17, 2020 at 4:10 PM

    These are beautiful aspirations. They are like a song singing from the page. Thank you for writing poetry and sharing your vision of a better world.

  25. Noor Elhage on April 17, 2020 at 11:57 PM

    Hi AG,
    I felt really bittersweet reading this poem. Although I don’t know the details of your situation, life taught me that unfortunately imprisonment can happen to anybody. We all make mistakes. Sometimes it’s a matter of whether or not you get caught unfortunately. With that being said, I wish for those same things for you and anybody following in your path. You are more than what your environment wants you to believe. I genuinely wish you the best of luck.

  26. Jayla Brown on April 18, 2020 at 6:33 PM

    This is a strong statement. My potential is the same as every other Americans. There should be no reason that my potential should be limited. My potential can help to benefit others. This a very uplifting piece!

  27. Shannon on April 18, 2020 at 9:47 PM

    I really applaud you for sharing this poem as I feel like a lot of people can relate to wanting to achieve big things. The fact that you want to strive and work to make a difference in the world is really inspiring. I really appreciate you taking the time to write this poem, share your thoughts, and express yourself.

  28. Maranda Estwick on April 19, 2020 at 1:27 AM

    A lot of us struggle with knowing that we have any potential at all because we are so used to seeing our parents or everyone around us settle or give up. We’re not really told that we can be anything we want to be and if we are, there aren’t many resources or people who are helping us to get there. So it definitely starts with ourselves and knowing we have that power to be whatever it is we want to be. So if you keep this mindset, half the battle is already won.

  29. Elena on April 19, 2020 at 9:04 PM

    I really love your poem! I think it does a lot of things well. I like the flow and inconsistency of the rhyme; it makes the poem almost feel like a song. In addition, the gradual reveal of who you were and who you want to be is well done. Nice job!

  30. Katherine Gonzalez on April 19, 2020 at 11:34 PM

    Realizing your true potential is always so important, and I’m glad you know yours. I loved the lines: “To always keep my mind free
    Free of insecurities
    Free to spread my wings
    Free to sing
    My potential is to be free”

    The different things we have in life to feel free reminds us of the beauty of life 🙂

  31. Tiona Lancaster on April 19, 2020 at 11:40 PM

    I think it’s amazing that you see more for yourself outside of your current circumstances, and are making plans to have a better life on the outside. This shows that you are keeping hope alive for a brighter future, and that’s a beautiful thing. Keep it up!

  32. kingclaire13 on April 20, 2020 at 7:43 PM

    Dear AG,
    You’re right, that is your potential and I hope that your mind will always be free to see it. Thank you for sharing your visions of yourself with the world. You are so much more than what you see right now and I hope that the walls you see right now will not shrink your view of yourself. What is beautiful about potential is that it will always be within you. Your writing will help others remember that too.

  33. sgale10 on April 21, 2020 at 11:23 PM

    I love the way the words, “To be the Real Me” sit right in the middle of this poem, the heart of the matter. The poem expresses great longing for something more/better/different…yet the statement at the middle makes clear that this is really simply about being who you really are, and that who you are is already the strong/confident/helpful/important person you long to be.

  34. Megan Lucas on April 22, 2020 at 6:41 PM

    You have endless potential. My favorite poems are the ones where there is a pattern or repetition as I feel it brings the message across and you did this very well. It was enjoyable to read and had such optimism and fight to be the best that one can be. Thank you for sharing your words and I hope you keep writing.
    -Megan

  35. Izzy on April 23, 2020 at 2:25 PM

    I really like your poem. It is important to know that there are endless possibilities out there and if you want to overcome what you have been through you need to put your best foot forward. I believe in you and your drive and determination is what will make you successful

  36. Rachel Sorkenn on April 23, 2020 at 2:28 PM

    Hi! I really enjoyed your poem because it was heartfelt and uplifting. Its great to know that you know your worth and you know that your hard work will eventually lead you to great things. Everyone has great potential and when you work hard and put your mind to your goals and dreams you can get there.

  37. Isabelle Eskay on April 23, 2020 at 2:29 PM

    AG, this poem is filled with inspiration, hope and individuality. You have so much potential that will continue building.

  38. Tori on April 23, 2020 at 2:31 PM

    This poem was very touching. My favorite part was the last four lines. I think it was very powerful to see your plans to live to your full potential. I also think it is very admirable that you are going to focus your time and energy towards inner city kids. Many of them are struggling, but have the potential to be great if given the proper support!

  39. Mo on April 23, 2020 at 2:33 PM

    AG,
    I really enjoyed how you started off the poem with the desire of freedom to then achieving certain goals. I assume that majority of the people not only in prison but normal human beings desire this sense of freedom. “Free to spread my wings” as you would say. I was very delighted to read your poem.

  40. Tamaki on April 23, 2020 at 2:34 PM

    I love this. Sometimes we put ourselves in a bad situation, but if we keep trying our best, we’ll always get through it. let’s keep up the positivity:)

  41. Ellen on April 23, 2020 at 2:35 PM

    AG, this is a strong and positive poem. These lines are so important: My potential is to be free…My potential is beyond what I now see.

  42. Haley on April 23, 2020 at 2:35 PM

    I, too, find it very important to set goals for myself–they help me stay on the right path and achieve the things I want in life. I see you have so much potential, and it is truly amazing when someone is able to recognize what great potential they have.

  43. Madi Coyne on April 23, 2020 at 2:36 PM

    This poem really struck me. Not only because of the well written stanzas, but also because of your confidence and pride in yourself. Your optimism in a place like prison is absolutely inspiring to someone like me. I know that we don’t know each other, but I am so proud of the fact that you are bettering yourself, expressing yourself, and putting passion into this program. You do have all of the potential, all hat you need to do is keep believing in yourself. That will get you far. Good luck!!

  44. Hannah on April 23, 2020 at 2:38 PM

    This poem is great. It really allows me to reflect on my insecurities and also remember that everybody has them. It also reminds me that people have goals and hidden potentials that sometimes cannot be seen by others unless vocalized, so we should not judge people without knowing them. You have potential, & this is an amazing poem!

  45. Emily on April 23, 2020 at 2:38 PM

    This is an amazing poem. I love how you talked about your potential, and I can tell you have so much potential based on your writing. The end was great, “my potential is to be a normal American, to open doors to inner city kids suffering from poverty”. Your vision is so apparent in this poem, and I hope you continue to believe in all of the great things you can do.

  46. Sharon on April 23, 2020 at 5:21 PM

    Hello AG,
    Everyone deserves a second chance, and I can see it through your writing that you are sincere about it. I know you want to be there for you kids, they still look up to you no matter what. Do not let other people bring you down, ignore the bad things they say. Do not let anyone get in the way of you becoming a great father, husband, brother, and friend.
    Stay Safe.

  47. Keli on April 23, 2020 at 10:10 PM

    This poem has such an inspirational message. The best poetry always leaves you feeling uplifted after reading it. I think everyone can appreciate striving to reach their potential, and how important it is to support each other while doing so.

  48. Matthew Wootten on April 24, 2020 at 10:42 AM

    I love the way in which you talk about fatherhood here. Too often people just look at the first part of providing for one’s famil y (” To work for a successful company / To pay bills to make ends meet”) and not the critical job of raising the next generation (“To open doors to inner city kids / Suffering from poverty”). I wish you the best of luck on your success.

  49. Meyber Alvarez on April 24, 2020 at 2:35 PM

    I really enjoyed your poem. This poem not only talks about your potential, but about what you want to do. These are the things that you want to works towards and be able to achieve. It’s not only about physical things but mentally. You wish to be free spirited and not care about what others think and do what’s best for you. I also like how you talk about wanting to make a change because not everybody has the same opportunities. Your mindset is growing and through practice I believe you’ll be able to reach your full potential.

  50. Emily on April 24, 2020 at 5:37 PM

    WOW. This poem is so inspiring. Maintaining a positive outlook on the future is so important to better ourselves and our communities. I’m inspired by the way you reject negativity here and embrace potential and optimism. You are so right. Your potential IS beyond what you see right now. I wish you nothing but fulfillment of all that you have listed. You are capable and amazing.

  51. Tyler Morelli on April 26, 2020 at 10:40 PM

    You have so much potential in life. The only boundaries you have are the ones you set for yourself, so let yourself push the limits to strive for what you want in life, because if you put your heart and mind to it, you can achieve it. There is so much good you can do for the world, and I can assure you that you will have the opportunity to make those impacts. Keep your head high and always look forward. It’s amazing that you can see all of the potential you have, now all you have to do is work for those goals. You can do it and I wish you a successful life.

  52. Margot on April 26, 2020 at 11:17 PM

    I love this poem! I feel like “potential” is a word that we hear so often but never step back to really analyze. Everyone has potential, but it takes much more self awareness to know what exactly that potential is. I especially like your emphasis on self love in the first few lines. If we can’t love ourselves, we can’t be free to chase our highest potential.

  53. Yesica Benitez on April 27, 2020 at 1:12 PM

    AG,

    I feel like we all have the potential to do something we are not currently doing. I love your optimism and desire to be a free and better person. I connect to your desires, I do wish to be successful and in the future. Good luck on your process and I sincerely wish you the most positive outcome. Always strive to be better!

  54. Jocelyn Matos on April 28, 2020 at 11:16 AM

    The mind is a battlefield! The best way to start making a change is first focusing on how you speak to yourself. I see that you have motivation and refuse to be subjected to “Prison cells and white concrete,To make it back to the streets”. You have the ability to change lives and make a difference for the youth. I commend you for your efforts as a father and I hope you follow through with your life long passions!

  55. Gaven on April 30, 2020 at 7:53 PM

    Hearing you talk about the specific word “potential” resonates with me. My former coach always despised that word because it was usually associated with people telling you that you’re currently not good enough or aren’t helping enough. However, hearing that sometimes does reignite that spark and that’s exactly what I felt from this poem. Hearing different uses of potential like when used in “My potential is beyond what I now see” reflected a more positive outlook on the word.

  56. Cassie Scandalios on May 1, 2020 at 11:55 AM

    I love the way you speak of your aspirations and your recognition of your vulnerability. I too find it hard to express myself the way you have in this poem, but it is inspiring how you speak of everything you still wish to accomplish in life. I wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors and hope you find success in everything you set out to achieve!

  57. Lauren on May 1, 2020 at 11:56 AM

    Your poem is truly inspiring. The way you recognize your true potential is incredible. The way you talk about helping people once you reach your full potential is amazing. Best of luck on reaching your full potential and I know that you will do great things.

  58. Catie on May 1, 2020 at 11:56 AM

    This poem was very real. I liked how you expressed that there is life beyond the present moment, and that when people talk and things seem dark and have been dark for so long, that this does not mean that it will always be dark. I specifically liked when you said “My potential is to be a normal American, to open doors for inner city kids, suffering from poverty, that’s my potential” because it shows how you see the good in everyone and that your wish is to use your potential to help others achieve their own potential.

  59. Tori on May 1, 2020 at 11:57 AM

    I love this poem for so many reasons. It is not only very well written and enjoyable to read out loud, but the message as a whole is so encouraging. I love when you say “My potential is beyond what I now see” because it is so true. Knowing that there is so much more that you are going to offer to the world is very important and the way you see yourself giving back is very admirable.

  60. Abby Carlin on May 1, 2020 at 11:58 AM

    This is great! I like the way how you identify specific ways to reach your potential. It is inspiring how you mention that your potential is to help others, specifically inner city kids suffering from poverty. I wish you the best of luck!

  61. Kendall Lambert on May 1, 2020 at 11:59 AM

    This has really good flow, and i love the uneven rhymes in this. The rhythm makes the poem not only easier to read, but easier to understand. Some poems can be long and use words meant to confuse the reader, but this is concise, clear and resonates well with those that read it. The form is also powerful with repetition throughout the poem. It also goes beyond some materialistic thoughts that people have, rather than saying one’s potential is to be rich, you incorporate more important, loving things in life such as being a good father and helping those who may need help. I think you’ve written something really great here.

  62. Jazzy Robinson on May 1, 2020 at 12:01 PM

    I thought this was an amazing poem. I think it speaks volumes about who you are as a person for not only wanting to be the best version of yourself, but for wanting to pass on your knowledge and resources to others who are struggling. It can often be difficult to overcome the opinions of others, but I think its important to remember that the most important opinion is your own. What truly matters is your opinion of yourself, not what everyone else thinks about you. I wish you the best of luck and I know you will be able to live up to your potential!

  63. Amber Germer on May 1, 2020 at 12:03 PM

    I love this poem, I love how you see the future with such an open mind. Your plan is to not only focus on yourself but your children, and those around you. It is extremely selfless and inspiring.

  64. Isobel on May 1, 2020 at 12:05 PM

    AG,
    This is poem is very uplifting and motivating. I can feel your desire to reach your potential and I love how it includes all aspects of life from being a father, being a successful worker, and giving back to your community. I hope you stay strong and use your future as motivation! Keep writing, this is a great poem!

  65. lauren maline on May 1, 2020 at 12:06 PM

    I love how forward-looking and positive this is. Your words show extreme courage and mental strength; it is truly inspiring that you recognize & have faith in a future that is beyond your current version of reality. My favorite potential mentioned is “To be the Real Me.” When you reach this potential, all other potentials will fall into place. Great work!

  66. haley on May 1, 2020 at 12:10 PM

    I think that everyone’s goal in life is to be successful, but that success looks different to everyone. I appreciate that you define what success is to you. I love the line “my potential is beyond what I now see”. This reminds me of something that someone once shared with me- “doing what you CAN do, is an open door to eventually being able to do what you can’t do now”. This means that if you want to be able to run a marathon you have to first be able to run one mile, then 2, then 5, then 13, and so on. It’s about getting just 1% better at a time.

  67. Jenny Ulehla on May 1, 2020 at 12:13 PM

    Stay focused on your potential. Courage will lead the way.

  68. Patti on May 5, 2020 at 11:35 AM

    I really loved hearing about your ambitions in this poem. I especially loved that you have goals not just to make yourself successful but to help others reach success. I think that that shows a lot of character and it was such a pleasure to read that in your poem.

  69. Ellen on May 7, 2020 at 5:09 PM

    Hi, AG–this is an important poem and an important message to give yourself. Please keep writing.

    My potential is beyond what I now see
    Prison cells and white concrete
    To make it back to the streets
    My potential is to be a normal American
    To open doors to inner city kids
    Suffering from poverty
    That’s my potential

  70. Valerie T. on May 9, 2020 at 11:51 AM

    I love how you are so confident in this piece. You mentioned many ways in which you will be successful. I think this piece can set a really good example for other people.

  71. N on May 9, 2020 at 2:07 PM

    Beautiful. I love the part you talk about “free of insecurities… free to spread my wings… free to sing”. This is something that stood out to me the most as well as the “to open doors to inner city kids suffering from poverty”. I know that feeling and I know the strength and courage that it takes to do so for it is an important job. I wish you luck.

  72. Ray Ryan on May 10, 2020 at 3:17 AM

    I hope you reach your potential to help others, yourself, people in your community and to be the father you want to be for your child. That’s really inspiring, your poetry is well written and I love that it ends with “that is my potential” cause I hope you reach it!!! Best of luck man!!

  73. carlos on May 10, 2020 at 4:28 AM

    Hello AG,

    Your poem is really great because you are speaking of helping kids who need support and may not have the proper mentorship, kids from poor economical backrounds. It is very inspiring that you are able to reflect up on your situation and wish to make things right by helping others, making the world a better place.

    Many people don’t consider the importance of giving back to the community and fostering the youth, who are our next leaders of this country.

    “My potential is beyond what I now see” is a really powerful statement because it demonstrates your ability to look at the bigger picture, to not live in the day-to-day, rather to live for a bigger and better future. I can tel you are a wise individual who is seeking another opportunity to make things right, a chance to live like a normal human being.

    It is humbling to read a poem about someone who wishes for the opportunity to work and make an honest living, when most of us on the other side don’t want to. It makes me appreciate all I have and to not take for granted the opportunities I have. keep writing and thank you for sharing.

  74. Yenny g on May 12, 2020 at 4:35 PM

    I love your poem. Continue to have goals, continue to fight for your freedom , for you , for your child.

  75. Kiara on May 13, 2020 at 4:30 PM

    I love how you’re still hopeful and see your potential. A minor set back always paves a way for a major comeback! I definitely could feel the emotions you put into your work. Things will get better and you will be able to witness your true potential!

  76. Christine T. on May 14, 2020 at 12:29 PM

    Dear AG,

    Thank you so much for sharing! I love the emphasis that you placed in your poem on the potential for growth in our lives, beyond what our immediate situations are. What really stuck out to me was how focused you are on not only on your potential to be a better individual to those in your personal life, but also on your potential to positively shape the world around you as a whole, as shown where you write “My potential is to be a normal American/To open doors to inner city kids/Suffering from poverty/That’s my potential.” In the same way you recognize your own potential, you recognize the potential of an important part of the younger generation that are often overlooked due to the backgrounds that they come from. If more people looked at others in the way that you do, the world would function as a better place for everybody.

    Again, thank you for sharing with us.

    Best,
    Christine T.

  77. HJ on June 19, 2020 at 6:28 PM

    It seems you have formed your dreams and aspirations into a well written poem and I can hear how much you want to be free. Keep up the beautiful work and writing down your thoughts and dreams.

  78. B on June 20, 2020 at 7:37 PM

    This poem was very good! I think all that you are describing regarding your potential is what you have within yourself. I truly believe you can accomplish this all! I believe you can do it. The things you want to accomplish are not only bettering yourself but you want to help others as well and that is truly inspiring. I really believe you have all the potential in the world to prevail and become the best version of yourself! Best of wishes.

  79. MC on June 29, 2020 at 5:56 PM

    This poem is very inspiring. Everyone has the potential to do anything as long as they put their minds to it. In this poem, it sounds as if you have your goals set out. The repetition of “My potential” creates an strong rhythm where it almost sounds like you are voicing your opinions to the world. I like the last 4 lines because it really highlights what many won’t necessarily choose to do with their lives. Maybe for this poem, you could rearrange the stanzas to talk about your inner potential to your outer potential, almost like working your way out.

  80. L on June 30, 2020 at 9:17 PM

    I love your poem. Truly, half of the battle in life is recognizing your own potential and you have vocalized your own potential so beautifully. Your poem reminds me of my parent’s lives. They both were able to live up to their potential and I am so proud of them. You are going to do great things in the world.

  81. Ava D. on July 21, 2020 at 12:22 AM

    I enjoyed this poem because it has a drive behind it. A drive to get better, to win the battle. A drive to life a happy and healthy life for not only you, but for your son. It takes strength to free yourself from yourself, but there is incredible strength in all of us.

  82. Madison on November 18, 2020 at 2:30 PM

    I love this! You have so much potential. You may still fail, but that is okay, because YOU STILL HAVE POTENTIAL. Pick up and keep going no matter what. No one can believe in you if you don’t believe in you.

  83. Ayzhiana Basallo on April 7, 2021 at 7:09 PM

    Your poem is lovely. I loved reading how truly inspired you feel. Keep up the good work and do not stop climbing. One day you will get to where you want to be. Keep writing and keep expressing yourself! Love to read it.

  84. Anna on April 16, 2021 at 6:57 PM

    Hey AG, I really enjoyed this poem you wrote! I love the drive and passion you have to achieve these things. You do have the potential to do these things and I want you to remember that no matter what you are going through. You are so strong!! Thank you for sharing this!

  85. CA on April 22, 2021 at 7:43 PM

    AG,

    I love the imagery you included in your piece. I can visualize all of the good you are going to achieve in this life. I feel like you have learned from your past and are ready to create a better future. Your optimism and heart is obvious in this piece and I hope you maintain this mindset for the rest of your life. Thank you for sharing this piece.

    CA

  86. Reilly on May 5, 2021 at 11:24 AM

    This was very well written. I love the repetition of the word “potential” and how you use it to describe life outside of being incarcerated. You have so much potential, and it is inspiring that you immediately wrote about using the potential to help others. You did a wonderful job and I hope you continue writing.

  87. Shawn rigsby on May 12, 2021 at 1:36 AM

    Hi AG,
    I really enjoyed reading this poem about potential. Everyone has the potential to do whatever they want in life. Although there may be ups and downs, it will help your grow as an individual and allow you to be able to reflect back on things you want to remain the same or things you want to change. It is important to always be true to yourself and set goals that you truly can and want to accomplish. You must not give up hope when things go south. As you learn from your past you can make these changes for the better. Changes to help you and your family that may rely on you. You are a great writer and I hope you can continue to express your emotions this way and other ways that help you. Thanks for sharing!
    Shawn

  88. Chynel on November 8, 2021 at 9:51 PM

    I love the attitude in this poem! You seem to have a great grasp on what your potential is, and that’s such a powerful thing that not everybody has. Hold on to it and use it to your advantage!

  89. Jade on October 16, 2022 at 2:43 PM

    Great poem. I think it’s super awesome how you talk about how you have the potential to do all these things and your words are so full of home for the future. Really fantastic flow as well. I especially liked where you write “To not be bothered what other people say about me” because I feel like it’s so easy to care too much about what other people think or say, and it takes a lot of courage to not let it get to you. Overall great job, and keep it up, your writing is wonderful!

  90. Ruby on October 17, 2022 at 7:02 PM

    Hi AG, I love the uplifting and inspiring energy you created with this piece. I can only imagine the longing you feel to reach your full potential as you talked about throughout the poem. Reading this made me feel happy and excited for you. I especially like how you mentioned opening your doors to inner city kids. It’s so incredible that you are not only focusing on how you can better yourself when you get out, but also how you can better the lives of others. I believe you are capable of reaching all of your goals and I truly wish you all the best.

  91. Oshane on November 8, 2022 at 7:03 PM

    Very emotional poem. This one really moved me positively. Thanks for sharing your potential and vision with us. Do keep hopeful and continue writing.

    My favorite line in your poem is where you state”My potential is beyond what I now see”

    I agree that we will only go as far as we can conceive in our mind’s eye. If we see it then we can seize it.

  92. Oshane on November 29, 2022 at 10:45 AM

    Hi AG,

    Such a motivating poem you have written here. I love that you understand your worth and the measure of your potential. Despite what challenge you face you do realize that there is still something more about you than meets the eye. Your potential, as you describe, is to be free, bring hope to others and be a helping hand. These are really good traits to possess. I like that you want to make the world a better place. I have hope for you that your dreams will become a reality soon. I’d like to add that change also requires a lot of work so be sure to put together an action plan about how you plan to make your dreams come true.

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.