I shout-

I scream-

I carry on-

and beg for someone to see,

look at what I've done!

Isn't it what you wanted?

but no one seems to listen,

no one seems to care,

when I listen to their rules,

or follow expectations.

But if I don't-

oh, if I don't...

hellfire reigns,

and they pull tight the reigns,

and I am shoved back in place.

I'll stay quiet,

I'll stay in place,

if you just tell me you approve.

I work and strive,

but never do you even whisper-

good job-

congratulations-

any time you speak it echoes.

The hollowness cannot be hidden,

I don't know what to do.

I, a hollow human being,

following hollow words,

wondering at the meaning.

Isn't this what you wanted?

Why am I ignored?

What I am doing wrong?

What have I not discovered?

Is it me?

Is my work just worthless?

Does my time and effort mean nothing to anyone?

Am I just a withered leaf,

that no one thinks to miss?

Or congratulate on makeing oxygen?

Am I nothing but a means to an end?

a bulding block?

a piece to be thrown in?

Am I not?