Dropping the masks
What do we fight for?
What are we protecting?
We put up a front every morning
With our guards up, no mourning
We fix our exteriors
Ignoring the broken interiors
Living through the façade
Projecting a confident trod
Do we really need this?
Do we need to hide?
Is the meaning behind our existence
Just to be happy on the world's ride?
We keep satisfying
His stance and hers
His views and hers
All for the belonging
In a place that's not ours
Is it bringing us together?
Or pulling us apart
Labels forever
With no real fervor
Never are we united
Never are we open
Why do you say you're here to help
While at the mere sight of a problem
You're forced to take a big gulp
Don't go starting wars
When you haven't fought the battles within
We stand here avoiding darts
Ignoring the shattered state we're in
Maybe it's not the world
It's not the people and their words
Maybe it's you who has decided
Not to be true to yourself
Yes, it's difficult
But don't hide yourself
Don't hide yourself
Behind the rules that were made
After the fights, you didn't fight
Behind the absolutes that stood
For someone who couldn't think right
Behind the principles
That aren't yours
Behind the curtain of expectations
Behind the curtain of everybody's needs
Don't bury beneath their greed
We're all different
In different ways, we thrive
You bring something to the table
And so will I
Think and thrive
Create and abide
Not for else
But your true self
Speak up
For people who haven't
Speak up
To learn the your own truth
Speak up
Let out the real you
Speak up, 'cause the world needs you to
Date: June 10, 2024
Tags: poetry, authenticity, identity, self