Your Congratulations

I wouldn't have compromised as much

So much of myself for fear of having you hating me

And I would've sung so loudly

It would've cracked myself

And I became self-conscious of anything exuberant

I wouldn't have sold myself short

I wouldn't have kept my eyes glued to the ground

If I had've known my invisibility would not make a difference

I would've run around screaming proudly at the top of my voice.



I wouldn't have said it was in fact luck

I'm talking idealism here

I would not have been so self-deprecating

And I wouldn't have cowered for fear of having my eyes scratched out

I wouldn't have cut my comfort off

I wouldn't have feigned needlessness

And I would not have discredited every one of their compliments

It was your approval I wanted; your congratulations.