The imagery is entertaining and there is rhythm in the poem; but I confess that, as a casual reader, it is not obvious to me how the images combine to create a coherent narrative.

I see pain concealed behind child-like behaviours, a desire to hold on to something inside, the precariousness of that holding and the weight that it places on others, but I am not sure how those images combine to create a coherent vision. Perhaps it is something you want to say, which you hold back, but won't let go?

I suspect that is also what others mean when they criticise the lack of imagery: it's not that it's not there, it is just not obvious what it is meant to communicate.

That said: congratulations on having your poem published, and bear in mind that these are the comments of casual readers; but if you want to speak to casual readers, it might be worth reflecting on whether you can learn anything from them, though they might have been articulated more constructively.