Obligatory Conformity Poem by Suraj Samtani

You would surely be proud.

I followed your script aloud.



I did not be bold.

I just did what I was told.



I did what you called right,

Without even putting up a fight.









But still there's a lingering question:

Am I happy with my life's position?



Living up to others' expectations, &

Striving to conserve my scarce relations,



Suppressing away my true feelings, &

Wearing my most-accepted beings,



I've just lost myself;

My identity is dumped on the lowest shelf.









I have now conformed to your ways, &

I hope this sacrifice eventually pays.



Then I can finally be alive, &

Alas have my own vehicle to drive.









But I don't need your sympathy,

Nor do I need your empathy.



This is a path that I have selected, &

This bitter truth I have finally digested.









Though sometimes I do wonder, &

At many times I do ponder:



Should I have put my foot down?

Should I have risked being a clown?









I guess, perhaps so.

At least, I would have my own glow.



People would know me as me, &

Society would judge me for me.



Including the good, bad, and ugly,

My vulnerability would be for all to see.



But sadly that was not to be, &

Regretfully, I'm now left with another me.









I hope to one day break free, &

Give the world my blemishes to see.



Only thus would I feel accepted, trusted, and loved.

Only thus would peace and justice be eternally served.