when the masks fell
and we were revealed
each one of us, our skins
peeled
we screamed in anger
and in shame
unable to face the world
with just our names
the ones we chose to hide our words
when in despair, we carved out
with swords
the hearts of many who
never believed
that we’d amount to something
or give us reprieve
for being human, for being
fallible
so unfailingly open to the world
and so gullible
if only to allow the feelings
to seep in
to soak through our defenses
and mold us
from within
to yank away the layers
we hide behind
and reveal the truth that lies
inside
so the masks fell
but we’ll be alright
for we’re writers, we reveal
what others hide
out of sight.

*Image by @Designthewild on DeviantArt