Achieve

I am not striving for some perfect bout of excellence,
Nor some endless winning streak that can’t be beat.
I am not battling monsters of ignorance
For you to say my victory is sweet.

I am not complaining of missed opportunities,
or clarinets that never were in tune.
Neither am I to be applauded for my mistakes-
I want absolutely nothing from you.

No confirming handshake, or compliment seized
I don’t need your careful critique
Nor your thoughts made into coherent vibrations
Only I know the words I will speak

So, please, don’t try to sound soothing and calm
For I don’t care! It’s not hard to believe
that I need approval from only one person
and that’s the only approval I can’t achieve.