Mask

Written back in 2011.

To the world I am happy.

To my friends, I know no bounds.

I am the face that bears courage.

I am the one who is strong.

 

I know optimism and reality.

I am friends with wisdom and logic.

To the world I am many.

But to me, I am one.

 

I am scared, frightened, alone.

Paranoia is my shadow.

I am weak and fragile.

I am broken.

 

But for you, I am none of these things.

I must wear this mask to protect you.

I need to be strong.

I need to be relied on.

 

I wear this smile as a sign of hope.

I help carry your burden to ease your pain.

I am your Guardian.

I will take care of you.

 

This mask is my flaw.

I wear it to remind me of who I want to be.

But I can't let go.

I can't move on.

 

It is my anchor.

It holds me back.

It's easier to give up than pretend.

But I like to dress up.

 

No more.

I am tossing it aside.

I am free at last.

I am who I am.

 

Love me or hate me.

Lie to me or be true.

I am strong.

I will make it through.

 

I will not be phased.

I will not forget.

You cannot hurt me.

Yet you make me so weak.

 

That is life.

A battle of will.

Mine has been tested.

And I will succeed.