You say I should open up more
I don't know what that means but I'll try.
But before you see me up-close,
it's best I at least know what's inside.
So in isolation I pull back the paper
anxious to get to know myself.
I push through my cardboard exterior
to find my own secrets I've held.

My eyes surprised with what I find:
Character traits so deeply hidden.
The flaws of pride and self-expectation,
In my mind, both of which are forbidden.
At my core, I live my life
Full of "should" and "could"
Enslaved to the need to do something
Always for the greater good.

I don't know what it means to rest
Or find reprieve from work.
A moment void of productivity
Would surely send me berserk.
And there's the irony
as I seek to resolve this,
Defining rest for myself
Is another item on my to-do list.

So if you want to know me
I gift you with this mess
A person addicted to achievement
Living a life that's relentless.
And to this new true me
There's but one thing I can say,
"You've been unwrapped in this present,
Welcome and happy birthday!"