Stand
In Manhattan
Take
A good look around you
See
All the people
Close your eyes
And imagine

Every single person
That passes you
Has a life
Those they love
Friends
Family
Acquaintances
Enemies
But you don't know them
Guess what
You don't know me either

The person you see
When I stand before you
Is so much deeper
Has so much more
To them
Than you'll ever know
There's so much about me
That you don't know
That you can't
Even imagine

Emotions
Deeper than the oceans
Feelings
Stronger than steel
Hopes
Brighter than the sun
Dreams
Larger than galaxies
Yet they're hidden
From you
From the world

My smile is fleeting
My laughter is forced
My words are few
My eyes are shadowed
But my heart is full
Of feelings you'll never know
My insides on fire

Fear
That's all I know
Don't want to let go
Of the reigns I hold
Around my heart
My soul is crying
Feel like dying
But still I turn away
From the sunlit day

Thick curtains
Shield me
From the world
Prevent others
From ever knowing
Discovering
The person in me
The person I can be
Terrified
Of being hurt
Being walked on
Being cast away

Isn't it easier
To just lock my heart
Throw away the key
Head off any pain
Perhaps in theory
But not in reality
Trust me
I know

Do you want to know me?
Because if you don't
Than please stay away
I don't want to play
But if you do
I promise you
I'll be the best friend
You'll ever have
But first
You'll have to find me
Get close to me
Convince me
You're sincere
And if you aren't
I'll just pull the curtains closed