Some see me as an embodiment of light

But a streak of darkness flows through these veins

To them: I am witty, friendly, perhaps even bright

But I am more. And its this that pains

me. you. everyone. defines themself based on others

my public image is merely a conglomeration

A conglomeration of culturally applicable stereotypes

to the shop keeper I am a thief

to my parents a headache

to the elderly a hoodlum

to other guys a threat

it is so hard to find ones true identity

when everyone thinks they know you

I AM MORE THAN A STEREOTYPE.

I am Nikolai Phalen

My true identity remains masked

by the understanding of those who do not understand