If I’m being honest with myself, a duplicitous life I live
I believe that importance to what others think of me I do not give
But my actions consistently my thoughts belie
To project myself in a certain way I try
Such that others approve of what I do
To my own self, I do not always stay true
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Interestingly I note that with age I seek more validation
From the women around me, somehow that is confirmation
That the women in a group accept me
And I can share with them a sense of camaraderie
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With age, increasingly on my women friends I have come to lean
For comfort, for commiseration, for the occasional boost to my self-esteem
But their opinions sometimes have influence excessive
On my actions, far too much importance to them I give
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I want to conform but also chart a path of my own
Because I know I cannot do it alone
My friends matter to me, their opinions I want to know
Sometimes I disregard them, sometimes their advice I follow
Passion...unbridled 