My Other Self

I'm watching myself interact,

Playing the fool,

Making the jokes,

Laughing out loud,

Talking the talk.

I'm seeing the lies I portray,

Knowing the pretense,

Playing the game,

Feeling the hypocrisy,

Watching the show.

I'm hoping I can't be seen,

The real me,

The fear I have,

The sadness I know,

The battle I contend with,

The scars I hide,

The pain I feel,

The truth I can't tell.