The mask is slipping,

And there’s nothing I can do.

Nothing to prevent it.

I can’t be what you want.

And now I can’t pretend.

Though we both wish I could.

I’m sorry I tried.

I tried to be perfect,

I would settle for adequate.

Please tell me I’m adequate.

Maybe I could lie,

And say I believe you.

But the mask has fallen.

The guise that I hid behind,

Lays shattered on the floor.

I want it to protect me again.

But the truth has emerged,

And that cannot change,

No matter how much I want it to.

My mask has melted,

Revealing my bloodshot eyes,

Tear stained and desperate.

But I swear I’m fine.