Masked

Once I thoughtlessly ventured out

To raise my voice and to shout

My face bared to the world

Ready to chirp as an innocent bird.

But then the terrifying lesson came

My mind and soul it took claim.

My heart covered itself in a shroud

Never again will my judgement cloud.

The first steps weren't sickening

I thought the world was beckoning

I ran forward to embrace it,

Searching for my place to sit

Then my heart was cruelly slashed

I turned and again was lashed.

They didn't stop till I was bleeding,

While they paused I began fleeing.

I reached where none could come

Shedding my tears till I was numb.

I smirked at the innocence that died,

Staring at scars till my eyes dried

A marred face stared back at me

Teaching me that none were free.

On the bedside, my masks hung

I looked at them and gave a shrug.

The next day I stepped out again,

This time giving reins to my brain.

My mask was perfectly placed,

Preventing scars from being traced.

Never again will the world see,

The foolish girl who used to plea.

All it saw was what I allowed,

Masking me from the crowd.