As I sit here writing
The audience in my head
Sits patiently waiting
My work they hope to rate

As words grace paper
And thoughts focus laser
Claques queued for self-esteem
Seating full and status green

What will they think of it
Love hate or between
Be kind and let me delude myself
Don’t let nightmare become real

They’re only in my head of course
My insane judge of me
If they don’t like what they see
I’ll hear it between ears

What purpose they serve
Difficult to say
It’s me analyzing myself
What benefit does the charade net?

It’s my need for validation
Regadless of their stand
Pop those hands together
To keep my self-respect