What do you see when you look at me?

Who is it that you think I am?

I don’t even know, so please tell me.

I have worn these masks for so long

that I have forgotten myself.

There is a stranger in the mirror

looking back with hollow eyes.

I don’t recognize him,

and he doesn’t acknowledge me.

 

I will be who you want me to be.

I will play my part if you give me the lines.

I will give myself away to have your attention.

What is it that you desire?

 

Why can’t you see the pain in my wincing mouth?

Why can’t you see the fear in my eyes?

 

I will show you what I think you want to see.

I will keep the scars well hidden.

I will shove myself further down

to become everything for you.

 

My fingers are raw from clawing.

Why can’t I get this off?

Oh, God, I can’t breathe.

Yes, I am fine; thanks for asking.

 

Hello?

Can anyone hear me?

I’m lost.

I’ve lost myself.

Who am I?

What have I become?

 

I’m so alone.

Though I stand in the crowd

I am unseen and unknown.

I don’t even know myself anymore.

All these warm bodies surround me

with their cold and empty smiles.

And I look just like them.

We all wear our masks.

We all have faces to hide.

Have we all forgotten ourselves?

Are we all but dim reflections?

 

If only I could come out of hiding.

If only I could show my face.

If only I could remove this mask.

But what would it reveal?

I want to be seen,

but can I myself accept

what I have covered over for so long?

And how do I face myself?