I would'nt 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 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
Iwouldn't have cowered
for fear of having my eyes scratched out
I wouldn't have cut my comfort off

I wouldn't have feigned needlesness
I would not have discredited
every one of their compliments
it was your approval I wanted

your congratulations.