Who am I?

Why is my worth weighed in the voices of others?

Why is my progress measured in the approval of peers?

Why do I feel like an imposter in the shadow of my own achievements?

Why when I celebrate myself, I feel like I cheated?

People can tell me I've done well and they're proud,

But I doubt their sincerity once they turnaround.

I try to be positive and sometimes I succeed,

Until I remember the negative thoughts I can breed.

In regards to your opinion,

I don't care!

But I do, I don't want to but I do.

You want to reject me, that's fine goodbye.

I can handle it, I can manage.

Or can I?

I don't know what I'm doing here,

I'm just trying to get by and survive.

I can't be alone, I panic and cry,

Who am I, the image and persona?

Or the trembling shadow waiting to burn in the light?