Longing For Pride

I’ve gathered moments,

one by one,

Stacked them high

like stones in streams

Hoping, when the work is done,

You might see the shape of my dreams.

I’ve chased approval in your eyes,

A silent wish behind each deed,

Measured worth by hopeful sighs,

Hungering for what I need.

Every step,

I’ve looked behind,

Searching for a nod, a smile

A whispered “well done” I can find

To make each effort feel worthwhile.

I’ve worn my best on weary days,

Braved the storms and faced the test,

Hoping you would turn and say

You see me trying, doing my best.

But silence lingers in the air,

And pride remains a distant shore

I wonder if you’re even there,

Or if you notice me anymore.

I want to tell you of my fears,

The nights I doubted I could cope,

How I stitched together all these years

With trembling hands and threads of hope.

I want you to see the battles fought,

The quiet courage,

the tears unshed

To know I’m more than what you thought,

A heart that breaks, a soul that bled.

I wish you’d see the dreams I chase,

The gentle strength I try to show,

The way I’ve learned to find my place

And let my inner garden grow.

I want your pride,

your gentle praise,

A simple word,

a loving glance

To know I’ve brightened up your days,

That I am worthy of the chance.

But if your pride is not to be,

If words remain unsaid,

unheard,

I’ll learn to find that pride in me

To lift myself with kinder words.

For though I long for your embrace,

For validation,

warm and true,

I’ll hold my head with quiet grace

And be the one who’s proud, too.

Still, sometimes,

in the hush of night,

I send this wish into the sky

That you will see my spirit’s light

And, just once, let your heart reply.