Ought to, should, what will people think?
I tried, earnestly, doggedly,
determined for years on end,
and even when I caught most of the oughts,
did lots of the shoulds,
played the role to please the crowds,
shame dogged me, hounded me,
howled my deficits
though only I could hear.

Then I admitted insanity
and found Power to change me,
to accept me, to stand here
before you and continue my life,
but changed, unashamed.