Many times I’ve wanted to express
Often I’ve longed to say
Silently I tried to confess
How proud I am of you today
For quiet reasons, I’ve held back
I’m mum on what the situation requires
It’s not for any lack
Of feeling or desires
Others seldom know the real you
The pride within can only hit the spot
For the outside world’s review
Is never really what you’ve got
Though it fills your heart with pride
It’s not as true as the inner voice
The one with which you go in stride
The one that doesn’t give a choice
Which needs to be convinced
Of his inherent value and worth
Even if each day no words are minced
To offer numerous examples of both
Be proud within
Shine like the morning sun rising
Feel happy in your own skin
The goal you reached is not surprising
You possess whatever it took
You impress with the right stuff
That if you take a long, hard look
You arrived, though it was tough
If upon targets you set your sight
If upon distant stars you pray
You’ll arrive, one day or night
Your inner pride will show the way
