I wouldn't have compromised so 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
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