Acceptance

Acceptance is all that I ask,

and the best gift I have to give.

It is the air that I breathe

and food to my spirit,

the freedom to be who I am,

the liberty to live

without pretending.

I have come too far,

and lived too long,

and I am too tired

to play make believe,

for anyone.

I don't have the reserves any more.

Don't ask me

to put on a costume,

don a mask,

act in a play

just to provide you a comfort zone.

If who I am makes you uncomfortable,

I apologize,

but I will not change.

I will not lie.

I will not make believe.

This is who I am.

Accept me,

and I will give you acceptance

in kind.

I will love you

for your flaws.

I will find humor

in your quirks,

and humility

in your triumphs.

When you are weak,

I will help you to stand.

When you are silent,

I will listen to what you leave unsaid.

When you are pensive,

I will respect your mind.

And I promise...

I will not force you

to play a role,

pretend a life,

invent a persona

more palatable to me.

I will accept you for who you are,

by loving you as who I am.

For this, my best gift,

Acceptance is all I ask.