(Un)Ashamed

Forever ashamed of myself:

Wants, dreams, desires,

laid to waste for the certainty of love and likability. 

But

How can I be loved if all I do is give, devote myself to another?

How can I love if I neglect my own needs?

Tonight I break tradition.

Tonight I stand on the bar and drunkenly sing 

karaoke to express my love.

I'll take your hand, disregard fear of your reaction,

knowing it's what I want, and that that's all it takes.

I'll hope it's enough to persuade, focusing not on 

the prospect of failure, but on smooth, warm skin,

awkward smiles and laughter,

Look into eyes deep and mysterious, and enjoy the fall,

knowing you'll either catch me,

or I'll swim away to dive another day.