Mirror

On my knees I bow before you
Yet, you look beyond my presence
All that I have done
All that I have sacrificed
Holds no weight for your respect

What must one do to earn acceptance?
I look to see what holds your indefinite gaze
Squinting, I protect myself and peek again
For I am astounded at what I see
A mirror’s reflection

I stand, no longer aware of anyone
Unable to stop peering ahead
Focused on the soul that gazes back
Soon, all becomes clear
It is not you that I must impress

What I have sought you do not own
What I desire you cannot give
For it has been here all along
I have been withholding the key
Acceptance lives within me