I like to think I’m always smiling

I wish that that were true

And all the things I labor for

Are always meant for you

 

I’m working every hour

Into the dead of night

I practice what I cannot do

Until I get it right

 

Yet despite all of my efforts

No matter how I try

This burnout that you’re causing me

Why aren’t you satisfied?

 

I try to step out of the crowd

I’m trying to succeed

But to you I’m never good enough

I cannot take the lead

 

“Look at the people around you,” you say

“Look at how much they do

They’re brilliant and they’re geniuses

Why can’t you be that, too?”

 

I’m tired of you comparing me

To someone I am not

I am an amazing person

Or maybe you forgot

 

I’m clever and I’m funny

Well rounded and polite

I’m not afraid of anything

Especially doing what’s right

 

I don’t have to be a genius

All I have to be is me

And then I’ll know how it truly feels

To live life happily