Authenticity

Authenticity is identity,

But who are we-

The lies we tell ourselves,

That we tell each other.

If honesty is freedom,

Then why is truth so cloaked,

Masked, and long denied?

When did our lies become our protection?

And our truths our hidden vulnerability?

Face yourself in the mirror and see,

Don't pretend, don't hide!

Authenticity  is identity,

Identity is fear,

We fear what we are,

Behind fogged glass.

We fear the face and the eyes,

The freckles and the lips, 

And all the things that do not lie.

We fear the truth.

Authenticity is identity.

I fear being me.