Poem: People-pleasing

I want to know me,

and to know me I had to know you,

and to know you I have to know me,

so it's all me trying to figure out who I am, what we are

and what that means

somewhere in the middle I can't figure out who I am if I'm focusing on the thoughts and feelings of others

it's not to say that I don't care about other people's thoughts and feelings,

but there is a certain line that is crossed,

Abstract and cold, like a spiders web,

An enticing pattern, until it's too late and there is no turning back

There is a certain line of considering other people's thoughts and feelings before I simply cease exist

I would say that I'm reminding you to look after yourself,

and not just spiritually or sentimentally,

but in the sense that you live your life for you

The best way to live life

Yes, we can care about the people, of course,

but we need to take care of ourselves in order to care of others.

It could also be said that it's not our responsibility to care for the people,

we think simply care for other people because we can,

and that is a good quality

I look for the day where there is no longer any hiding,

No need to paint over the cracks

And watch as the wrinkles around my eyes and mouth give away

I dream of the day when confidence is no longer a lie,

I dream of the day where I am no longer used to living in insecurity

I dream of the day where I am sure of myself

Following the line like an acrobat between caring too much and reminding myself that I matter too,

I hope it becomes less of an exercise than a movement

As long as I know you're okay first.