Once upon a time I knew who I was and kind of what I wanted, or rather expected from life.  I was sure I knew who I was.  I had a plan, general ideas on a tentative time-line.  This comes before that, and so on.  I got swept away in the rapids of others.  Tossed around and wrung out.  

Swept away
White water, no raft
Lonely ride

Left in the gutter, I found my way home; vacant-eyed and sullen, Jaded and confused beyond the realm of humanity, but home.  What had I done to attract such things?  Why was it okay to be garbage to others?  Abused and unwanted, still far from myself.  Plastic bubble gum smiles, no one asks and I don’t tell.  Made it home, scathed and broken.  Thinking the me I knew couldn’t possibly have done that.  So, was I ever who I thought I was?

**Beautiful masks worn
Thin veneer of porcelain
Hides maceration