Mulan

Courage

Strength

Fear

A secret

She knew it was her time now to save her family

She knew it was her duty to protect her family’s name

The name that she was told defined her

The name that she couldn’t quite mend herself to

She did it to protect her father

She did it because she had courage

She did it to hide from herself

Her reflection did not show her true self inside

For  there was someone else trying to escape

Holding back her emotions, pushing them deeper into the dark voids of her mind

Trying to be the perfect bride, trying to be the perfect daughter

But no longer could she lie to herself

She told herself she was fighting for her country

She told herself she had to take her father's place because he could not survive it

She told herself she was being brave because it was her duty to her people

She told herself she was only pretending, playing a role

But this was no mask

This desire to be someone else was pulling her from inside

This desire to no longer paint her face with beauty

This desire to let go and be free

This desire to become a man

What she’s always longed to be