I wanted you to fall in love with this: A picture of perfection painted well Content to be a lovely mask you’d kiss But through my time with you my image fell--- And did I right away share honest words That dribbled from my lips pathetically While fearing scorn and judgment I’d incur Let my tears drop un-surreptitiously. But now I had no sleek and stealthy ways; You tore apart my well-crafted façade I had not seen the brightness of the days Twas shrouded by opacity of gauze I did not like this much, I had delayed Pursuing individuality And then, somehow, my deep beliefs were swayed Perplexed that you’d desire the real Me . . . And now the front has gone, I’m pleased to make Acquaintance to my Self for my own sake.