Why does love feel so conditional?
Why do I seek others’ approval in their words
And their tones?
What wired me this way?
Why can’t I just be myself?
Yet what would that look like?
Who or what is the real me?
Is it too late for him to appear?
Or have I been permanently destined
To be this puppet
Controlled by strings of acceptance?
If I could find my way out of this maze
Would I want to?
Or am I better off finishing my life like this? 

2026