Life is a dance

Two steps forward one step back

An informal masquerade

Everyone playing charades yet

No one Is guessing

Maybe that's my problem

Or maybe

My mask is too realistic I understand

Sometimes

I fool myself too

A plaster porcelain smile with bright eyes

So lively and vibrant

Covering up all of the lies Of the past

But I won't stop wearing it

Thrashed and harassed, soul trashed

My mask remained uncracked

And I'll keep it that way

I don't need anyone to know I'm vulnerable

Weak and uncomfortable

In my own skin

No one needs to see

The numbness in my dull eyes with tears

When a painful memory appears

So I'll keep my mask on

I'd rather break In secrecy

So others can live fearlessly

Or maybe

My overbearing mask I carry

Is just me convincing myself

That I am just as strong and optimistic

As my mask is unrealistic