What do you see when you're looking back at me?
A smile so personified
You're unaware you've been deceived

But if you look deep into my eyes
You'll catch a cloudy undertone
A sadness that you'd never guess
Is mixed with the grandest rage you'll ever know

The mask we wear acts as a filter
To shield others from the truth
But the most jovial of my days
Were lost way back in my youth

The smile, a reminder
Of days from long ago
No longer any relevance
****** into the undertow

Inside the belly of a whale
My life ended, as a meal?!
Let's take a look back on it now
And all that it entailed

To quote the great Captain Ahab
"Thar she blow"!
Or the Doors' Jim Morrison, who said "This is the strangest life I've ever known"

To send away the demons
You must cast the first stone
But be sure to have a witness
Never try it while alone

This ensures your safety
Keep your distance from the scene
Maybe you'll wake tomorrow
And it will all have been a dream

Be sure to check all of your limbs
Try remaining in one whole piece
Compelling as this may seem
Still no need to call a priest

Nor the admiral of the Navy
Or our commander in chief
They'd just as soon have you locked away
Right after they've been briefed

Thrown inside the dungeon
Tossing away the keys
Oh, you'll have your day in court
With a story that not a soul believes

Instead just hold your head down
Walk away, sight unseen
Accept it as a learning tool
Claim you were only being green

The curiosity of a cat
Landed you inside the belly of the beast
And if you hadn't thought quickly on your feet
You'd have been a savory feast

However unbelievable
This somehow is the truth
Not just another fairytale
But be sure to have some proof

Something from your journey
Something visible and real
Unfold it like an onion
Shed a tear with every peel

Help to remove every layer
Until you reach its core
No more self discovery
For you to explore

Just misguided youth
Pent up energy in spades
Clear of all transgressions
That caused you to disengage

Fall back on your laurels
Wash away the mange
Look over the horizon
Start fresh and turn the page

Reread every chapter
With the knowledge you now hold
Except this time around
Try doing what you're told

You'll be shocked by what you see
No more cloudy haze
No more hiding behind masks
Only clarity for days.

I have roamed the earth now
For many or so odd years
Longing for acceptance
And the audiences cheers

I listen for the pin to drop
Hear the worlds smallest violin
As I scream out from the rooftop
“Someone, let me in!”

It takes courage and conviction
You're bound to fail before you win
A persons heart is like a lockbox
Someone please just let me in!

I won't make you any promises
There are tears that will be shed
Even the bravest of the brave
Dealt with the doubt inside their head

Some days the strong are weak
Other days the weak are strong
It's those who persevere the most
That get to right their wrongs

There's hurt that cuts much deeper
The nagging pain that won't subside
It's then we stare into the face of fear and shout...
It's GREAT to be alive!

Break free from all your armor
Allow yourself to shine
Take in all earths beauty
You'll be amazed by what you find.

Love and peace in purest form
A colors' vibrant hue
Knowledge and understanding
From every point of view

That's when the cheers grow louder
That's when the pain goes numb
When we listen to ourselves
That's when our victory is won.

Reached down in my pocket
Looking for spare change
Strangers walking past me
Look at me like I'm deranged

Must I explain my actions
For every single thing I do
Shall I carry on
Or is that considered being rude

I go about my business
Conducting daily chores
Never once distracted
With all I can't afford

Never asking for too much
Only what I need
The tools to get the job done
And the air in which I breathe