I can't,
Not anymore.
I can no longer go on
Living this lie.
I can no longer go on
Wearing this elaborate mask.
I could keep on pretending,
I suppose,
But I no longer want to.
I no longer have to.
I am fully prepared to lose
All those that 'love' me,
The fictitious me,
Because I know I will find
Those that will truly love me,
The flawed but real me.
I cannot be the perfect person
All desire me to be.
I cannot maintain the smile
That I have forced for so long.
From now on,
If I am happy,
I will smile.
From now on,
If I am sad,
I will cry.
From now on,
If I am angry,
I will rage.
From now on,
I will allow myself to feel
Without worry.
Those that love me
Will accept that.
Those that don't,
Will leave me be.