You wouldn’t know it by looking at me,

Or even if we talked.

You wouldn’t guess it by watching me,

Or even if we hung out until the early light of dawn.

My soul isn’t as pristine,

As many like to think.

It’s a dark, haunted, and tortured thing.

Yours would be to if you had lived through even half of what’s been done to me.

Many are shocked to discover

That I'm actually hiding deep within.

They are speechless when they discover,

How thick my shell really is.

They see a confident woman,

One comfortable in her own skin.

They see someone sure of her path,

One who never second guesses or gives in.

But little do they know,

How I have cultivated this mask I wear.

Years in this life’s journey has taught me,

To not trust and beware.

So do not dismiss the feelings,

If one let’s down their guard to confide in you.

You have no clue the strength and courage it took,

For them to let their true self shine through.

12/12/2022