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baby prizes

While I have no regrets
It's hard not to notice
Where the world expects progress
I have chosen to fall short.

Photos of accomplishment
Like ribbons at the fair
There are some I won't have
Ones I don't need

The prize itself isn't what's missing.
But for the world to see
Hey, guess what?
I'm finally keeping up!

Instead my route was a short cut
A quick detour of struggles.
But instead of praise for knowledge,
Shame for the easy way out.

What progress is expected of me
Now comes into question
Sneers and eyebrow raises
'selfish, lazy, unloving'

I won't bring chaos into the world
While navigating my storm.
Even though I'm right on track
The choices are seen as turned around.

I do not regret my choices
There are times, however,
Where I too wonder
Why is this falling short?