There's this something in my chest;
no words can seem to name.
I am but filled with unrest,
I feel nothing but pain.

Confusion surrounds my head--
making me lose my mind.
Questions that I've always dread--
the answers I can't find.

When I look at the mirror,
I notice a stranger.
My eyes are filled with terror;
I open my layers.

Who am I
I ask myself--
Maybe the person within would know
because the skeleton and skin
won't let it show.

Shhh...can you hear me?
I'm hardly a pin
I'm hardly a mile away
Shhh...do you know the pain I'm in?

Look...can you see me?
I'm hiding behind shadowed eyes
And a mask of smiles
Look...will you look past the honest lies?

Taste...can you palate the bitterness?
Sharp and acrid accusations
Dancing on wagging tongues
Taste...will you swallow what is given?

Touch...can you feel my failing muscles?
Every fibre losing this very battle
A futile fight I must concede
Touch...will you save the pieces that crumble?

Read...can you make sense of my heart?
Pounding behind its bony cage
Pumping red into my desperate nib
Read...can you understand the ink staining my page?

Shhh*...can you hear me?
I don't think you can
For I have ceased to speak
In the universe of man