Your Congratulations

I wouldn’t have compromised as much
So much of myself for fear of
Having you hating me
I would’ve sung so loudly
It would’ve cracked myself!

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 hadn’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
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
I would not have discredited
Every one of their compliments
It was your approval I wanted
Your congratulations