My Mask

I wear a mask

so nobody will see

what lies behind

my eyes.

I live in a semblance of

normality,

but reality plays tricks,

pretence is the lie I live.

My ever changing facade

reveals what I want the world

to see

to understand.

But it’s not me.

Precious few know me,

or see me in all my

weakness,

because I hide

that which would frighten.

It’s easier to exist

in a world where expectations

are met,

and I can be the man

they want me to be.

So here I am.

I look just like you.

Just please don’t try

to remove my mask.