The External Validation Curse

I think I'm like a sinking ship Crying out 'bail me out quick!' I list out all the jewels I find Hoping their value hasn't declined Or perhaps I'm like an empty can Nothing inside, end of useful lifespan Still able to create the perfect vision But on close inspection gets derision Or maybe none of the above Just someone who is complicated to love Whose self worth sways this way and that With the conflicted turmoil of an alley cat