THE
MASK
I
am so tired of leading
this pointless and insignificant life
of feeling so small and helpless
against the might of the world and all its
strife.
I
begin each day afresh
with renewed hopes and fears
but only I know of the many which have passed
and of all their magnitude, washed away by my
tears.
I
hide my grief within
hoping those who love me will never see
that I am so frightened of the future,
of the things that may or may not be.
My
pillow is damp and my fingers raw
the deep lines beneath my eyes
tell the inner story of
my ever-present fears, in disguise.
I
tell the world I am happy
and hope they have believed
for I need their faith in me
as they are all I have achieved.
I
clothe myself in strength each day
to uphold the image I have made
but when I rid myself of the mask
I think back on the price I have paid.
I
so wish to lead a happy life
and make the most of all I can
but already there is so much in the past
I know my story has not a short span.
I
must learn to trust myself
to have some faith in me
for I wish to live my dream one day
when all my fears will behind me be.