Masquerade Of Humility Poem by Thomas King

The face you now see
Is not really me
It’s a “MASK” I have found
When all I could do
was stare at the ground.

I put the “MASK” upon my face
In hopes it would replace
This pathetic insecure wimp
Who’s stuck in a dark place

My “MASK” I use to conceal
How inside I truly feel
As the true self that I see
Is unbearable to reveal.

It’s this “MASK” you now see
That helps me forget who I am
gives me confidence and power
to be who I wish I could be

oh to be bold, confident and cool
not have to feel useless
and perceive myself as a fool

to be able to shine
through my dark inner core
to be free of my fear
and not feel embarrassed anymore

But until that day comes
And I see myself with love
I will wear this found “MASK”
as it fits me like a glove