I wear this mask

To protect my heart

Hide my true thoughts.

One day the mask cracked.

So I faced fears and risks

I took off the mask.

I gained a hero’s courage

But I was defeated.

The rawness of my heart

Cries when I refuse to.

Wounded I crawl back to the numbness

Back to the mask.

Even though it’s crumbling

I put it back on

Hoping time will rebuild it

And soothe my heart.