Affirmation

We cook a meal or buy a gift
Or stitch a lovely quilt,
But if there’s no acknowledgement,
We feel our spirits wilt.

We sing a song or act a scene
Or glaze a pot or paint;
Indifference coats accomplishment
With just a tinge of taint.

We often put our souls out there
In rapt anticipation
Of compliments or patted backs
Or nods of admiration.

But doing what we do just needs
An audience of one,
For only we can truly judge
The work that we have done.

We run a race or write a poem
And know that we’ve succeeded
And really that should be enough –
No affirmation needed.

But human nature rears its head
And laughs at such displays,
Reminding us that everybody
Likes a bit of praise.