In the quiet echoes of my soul's embrace,
A melody unfolds, a poignant trace.
Through the corridors of self-doubt I roam,
A tale unfolds of feeling second, never home.

In the tapestry of life, woven and spun,
I stand as a thread, a muted one.
Amidst the vibrant hues of others light,
I'm the shadow that lingers, out of sight.

Faces gleam with accomplishments bold,
I find solace in the stories left untold.
In the dance of comparison, a silent waltz,
I yearn for the notes that my heart exalts.

A canvas painted with achievements grand,
I'm the sketch, in pencil, barely planned.
The applause for others, a distant song,
In the choir of validation, I sing along.

Yet in the quiet of night, when shadows fall,
I hear the whisper of an inner call.
A plea for acceptance, a longing to see,
The worth that resides, inherently in me.

A dance with shadows, a relentless theme,
I navigate the currents of a self-esteem.
The echoes of being second best,
A poignant ache in my heart's own chest.

Yet, in vulnerability, a strength is found,
A tender heart, on rocky ground.
For in this struggle, a resilience thrives,
Blossoming through the cracks where the soul survives.

The mirror reflects a journey, not a race,
Embracing flaws, finding my own grace.
In the garden of self-love, I plant the seeds,
Watered by acceptance, fulfilling my needs.

No longer I'll be confined by the notion of best,
I’ll rise from the shadows, let my heart attest.
For worth is not a trophy on a shelf,
It's in the quiet acceptance of myself.