"Put on your lipstick sweetie, the pink shade will do
Apply some eyeshadow in an enticing hue,
Your hair must be done in a fabulous curl
Then wear these expensive, snow white pearls.
You're now dressed up like a real princess, dear
Smile to the people as they wave and cheer
Keep your regal stance as you walk straight
Hands on your side, you look so great.
Look at the camera and beam cheerfully
Maintain your poise as you talk softly..."

As the light flashes, a thought crossed my mind,
I suddenly want to leave all of these behind
For this is not who I am or what I want to be
And this is not definitely the real me.
Smudged all the lipstick off, dropped the jewelry down
Pulled my hair and tied it in a messy bun
I stood there, chin up and proud
Then I silently walked away from the crowd.

Those sweet white lies
offered a feeling so nice
I drowned, I cannot rise,
and pain was the prize.

Is a pair of spectacles needed
for you to clearly see me,
for you to perceive my worth,
and appreciate my existence?

He asked me if I was hurting
But I told him that I was not
He then asked why am I crying
And I couldn't voice out a response
I was stumped for a while
"Why are you crying?"
The question echoed in my mind
Why am I crying?
Am I still hurting?
But no, I don't feel anything
And so, why are these tears falling?
Then I realised.

Perhaps our eyes need to be cleansed by tears
To wash away the memories of yesteryears.

Sometimes
The panic
Is more dangerous
Than the pandemic