The surface is a mask
of what grows deep inside
the surface is all that is seen
just beneath is where I hide.
Time and time again
I've been shown this to be true
it has been my whole life
my outer shell is what matters to you.
I have been taught to hate the outside
by those who matter to me
all society has shown
all that matters is what you see.
I am not enough
I cannot simply "be"
What matters most is trapped
begging to be free.
My outside should be a vessel
to carry my spirit each day
but it has been my prison
that steals my life away.
I must beleive in me
and do it all on my own
I must learn to accept me
and stop feeling so alone.
Tune out all the chaos
all the voices and the noise
wrap my arms around myself
and answer to my true inner voice.
Jennifer Sisk
September 7, 2017
