LINDA YOU STILL SHINE

You don’t even know what you did, girl.

One smile in that car seat, and my whole day paused.

Mississippi raised, but Dallas got the glow now.

And baby, you brought both.

Linda, I been lookin’ at these pictures like scriptures

That gold watch, that natural twist up

Them lips ain’t moved, but I hear ‘em still

Saying “take your time, if you ‘bout somethin’ real”

You said “I’m quiet, unless you stir the fire”

Well baby, here I am — full match, full lighter

Those glasses ain’t hiding what’s already known

You soft, you strong, you make Texas feel like home

You got 3 grown babies, but still move like a breeze

A little ULTA magic, with them country queen knees

Purple skirt, waist sittin’ bold

Brown-skin glow, like your soul been gold

You a whole woman, not a whisper of a girl

Built by trials, walkin’ light in this world

That mirror pic hit me like fate

I ain’t double tapped — I paused and prayed

Linda, that beauty ain't all you bring

You the type make a grown man sing

Not with game, not for play

But with truth only good women convey

You still shine, even when you lowkey

Rockin’ them shades like “you don’t even know me”

From Miss Sip’ to this Dallas street

You stayed you — soft walk, heavy heat

You still shine, with them brows on fleek

No filter needed, every picture speak

And if I’m lucky to call you mine

I’d spend my days tryna match that shine

You held that baby girl in the last frame

And I saw every reason you ain’t playin’ games

That stance, that smile, them high cheekbones

I see a queen who held her own

Leather jacket and that brim hat low

Gave me visions of old western soul

You’d ride for yours, but won’t chase no man

And I respect that. That’s grown-woman land.

I ain’t here to impress, I’m here to connect

To speak love, not flex

To show up, not guess

You deserve real, and nothin’ less

You still shine, brighter than most

Dallas got you now, but I’d raise that toast

To the girl from Tutwiler, still holdin’ grace

With a full-grown crown sittin’ on your face

You still shine, and I see that clear

Ain’t no games here, Linda, I’m sincere

From my eyes to this line

All I want is time to earn your shine

So if you readin’ this…

Know that every damn picture of you

Felt like a verse I ain’t wrote yet

But this one… this one yours.