0 Masquerade

My imagination writes a story, only I see
The dance floor shines
People in colorful, fancy dress
Masks on their faces
All of them carry the burden,
unable to be who they truly are
All of these games
I have much to say
I Am Free!
All of them locked in a cage made of falsehood
I am true and confident
They are fake and miserable
They are biting their tongues
Telling themselves that they are polite
As they continue this charade

They look desperate
"Unmask yourselves!"
I turn to yell at all the guests
My mask removed
I stand here alone and proud
Exposed, real, better than a pretty lie
Let's battle with our words
Bring it all out
Instead of continuing this sham
They adjust their masks,
making sure that they are in place
I walk away disappointed
These people don't have the courage to be real
Sometimes I wish they did.


--Natalie L., 37