In the shadows of their expectations, I tread,
With every step, a whisper of doubt in my head,
Measuring my worth with a broken ruler,
Seeking approval, but the silence grows cooler.

Each failure feels like a heavy chain,
Binding my spirit, amplifying the pain,
I chase perfection, an elusive ghost,
Always feeling less, when it matters most.

My heart yearns for a simple embrace,
To be seen, to be known, without the race,
But the mirror reflects a marred visage,
A soul in turmoil, trapped in a cage.

Yet, through the cracks, a light begins to seep,
Whispering softly, ‘It’s okay to weep,
For in your flaws, beauty can be found,
Embrace yourself, let your spirit be unbound.’