Hiding Behind My Mask

By, Cassie C.

Why me?
Why am I the one, who has to hide their true self behind this mask?
To be accepted?
This world is so
cruel, so cold, so
narrow
minded.
I know I have a past.
They tell me not to hide my true self.
So why am I being forced to hide behind this mask?
To be accepted.
To be wanted.
To be loved.
To be a part of my family.
When growing up I was told to take off my mask, and show the real me.
That’s what we learned right?
But now I hide behind this mask, and cover the parts of my true self.
That others don’t want to see.
Just so they can accept me.

Published in A New Leaf – February 2025