People Pleasers

I’m a people pleaser, Faking smiles, being nice, it’s what I do. I’m a people pleaser, Wearing masks to make others happy, it’s true. Their words were bandages, covering my pain, Healing my wounds, but never the same. Each time they spoke, it felt less real, Until my trust broke, wounds they couldn't heal. I promised my heart I’d stay out of the fray, Yet there I was, back in the wrong place. Hiding my worries, wearing a fake face, Still, they weren't pleased, no matter the display. I tried to be perfect, to never offend, But found myself lonely, without a friend. Their praises once soothing, now just a chore, Empty and hollow, leaving me sore. The masks I wore grew heavy with time, Weighing me down, clouding my mind. I sought their approval, a futile chase, Losing myself in the endless race. Then one day it hit me, clear as can be, The only one I need to please is me. To love myself, to be genuine and free, To embrace my flaws, to simply be. So now I stand, no masks to wear, Facing the world, learning to care. For the only person I truly must please Is me... just me... at last, at ease.