Let Me Be Me

Let Me Be Me
You don't have to love me, you don't need to hug me;
You don't have to touch me at all.
But please don't deplore me, resent or ignore me;
Just help me to stand straight and tall.

You don't need to cheer me, or always be near me;
My best friend you don't have to be.
But once in a while share a word or a smile;
Your support is important to me.

I may not be pretty, you may think me homely;
I do not abide with the rich.
And though not appealing, I do still have feelings;
Your acceptance is my deepest wish.

If you help me stand tall, if I soar, if I fall;
I can stare in the face of defeat.
If your acceptance is real, and your support I can feel,
I'll survive, for that's all that I need.