Mask

You see me smile.

You hear me laugh.

I see reality.

I see my other half.

 

You see a strong man.

You hear me advise.

I see a scared boy.

I hear my own disguise.

 

I don’t let many in;

I’m much too reserved.

I isolate myself.

My mind, I preserve.

 

I’ll smile and say,

“I’m alright; it’s okay,”

But deep inside,

I want to display.

 

I want to reveal.

I need to let you know.

I feel so alone.

I need to let go.

 

Still, I wear my mask.

I’ll keep you at arms length,

I push you away,

With all my strength,

 

Desperate for love,

But unwilling to reveal

What I truly am;

That my mask isn’t real.