08/01/2026
Unmasking
I knew I was different
I knew I stood out
Drowned in fear
Full of self-doubt
Trying desperately
Just to fit in
Masking my light
Until it was dim
Tripping over norms
Awkward and meak
Always say "sorry"
Whenever I speak
Years of gaslighting
Keeping me numb
Shut down my voice
Under the thumb
Forced to comply
Another clone
Don't be so "crazy"
You'll end up alone
Gifts and powers
So misunderstood
Abused or dismissed
Why can't I be "good?"
Just be normal
Have you even tried?
Here is a box
Just get inside
Connection was hard
How can you thrive?
When you're trying
To simply survive?
When you're so tired
Of getting it wrong
Worn and Burnt-out
From playing along
Hiding your talent
Your creative voice
Scared you'll make
One wrong choice
Scared to be judged
When threats are aimed
Prepare to be silenced
Blamed and shamed
The mask you're wearing
It's not built to last
You'll realise you can't
Live in the past
One day, I woke up
Saw my reflection
Realised I'm worthy
Of better connection
Acknowledged, I'm different
It's not some curse
I'm f # fabulous
Bold and diverse
I came here to shine
I reclaimed my light
I gave up on struggle
A pointless fight
Not trying to prove
My strength and worth
I own my space!
Here on this Earth
I won't perform
Or people-please
You keep your fear
As I unfreeze
Hear my voice
Hear it clear!
I'm not here
For you to steer
I'm breaking out
You can't contain
All the things
You can't explain
I can't pretend
Like I did before
Can't play it safe
Not anymore!
I've found a tribe
Where I can lean
Accepted, loved
Heard and seen!
Able to be
Completely me
No shame or guilt
Flying free
I came to shine
My dimmed light grows
Accepting myself
My energy flows
My world opens up
What a beautiful view
As I write the next chapter
With a story that's new
Poetry by Pauline