Overwhelmed

I enjoy praise
as I think
most people do
but I was not
prepared
for the raw nerve
I struck
when tackling
menstruation
by relating it
to a personal
groin injury,
advocating
for male empathy
and understanding
when it comes
to the somewhat
baffling gulf
between the sexes.
The response
was shockingly
electric, applause
like waves
crashed on me,
embarrassed by
the vehemence
and tongue-tied
with the perennial
awkwardness of compliments
I quickly and silently left
overwhelmed and confused
with the impact of my words.
Sometimes success can be bewildering.