You dropped the mask.

That beautiful mask.

The one I thought fit you so well.

It symbolized so much.

Kindness.

Honesty.

Integrity.

And when you revealed your face,

I saw a glimpse of what I suspected was always there.

Hesitation.

Dishonesty.

Ego.

The adoration is your obsession.

The bright lights and sweet words seduce you.

Isn’t it all so intoxicating?

Devour it,

let it fill that emptiness you’re running from.

The hope that this time,

you’ll be satisfied. I watch you

reach for it. It’s at your fingertips.

So close.

Try a little harder.

With each lie revealed, the façade starts to crumble.

A new portrait emerges.

It’s ugly.

Messy.

False.

It’s you.

The one who wants it all but can’t bear to evolve

into someone wiser.

Humble.

Sincere.

Tell me the truth.

Or is it easier not to?

I see now.

Love elephant and want to go steady?

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Editor: Rachel Nussbaum

Photo: Malice Mirror / Creative Commons