those people who do not know you,
all the in’s and out's of what makes you 
you: abilities and talents
experience and knowledge

all the ways you’ve grown
the various hats you’ve not just
owned, but learned to wear
with ease

do not hand them the keys 
to your value,
which does not begin 
nor end
based upon their opinion 
whatsoever

just because they do not yet
appreciate your worth 
does not diminish even
a fraction of an inch
of who you are 

so, hold those keys 
tight between two hands,
or even in your pocket
well and truly out of reach

until they have in reality earned
the right for their opinion
to matter to you
at all

Photo by Jared Subia on Unsplash