Inner Self Poem by Elia Michael

I had to hide the person who was me
I buried him so deep within my soul
I was not whole, nor would I ever be
While exercising this kind of control.
I lived in fear and would not let him out
Lest he betray my true identity
It was too much and he wanted to shout
Out loud some kind of base obscenity.
I took away his liberty for years,
But then some persons began to be brave
And hostile attitudes and people's fears
Diminished; he no more a hidden slave.
Now he and I are reconciled as one,
For he's forgiven all the wrong I've done.