Behind the Mask

Behind the mask there is a frail and fragile me
Enigmas clothed in conundrums; that the naked I can’t see

'Behind the mask is concealed, my authenticity
Examine my history to unravel my perplexing mysteries

Behind the mask it is unseen paralyzing, piercing pain
With arrogance and self-assurance camouflaging the shame

Behind the mask is hidden my true Identity.
Seek and survey the signs of my obscurity

Behind the mask is veiled a heart that’s been broken
Held together by unexpressed resentment and animosity unspoken 

Behind the mask is where my insecurity hides,
Like realism wrapped in riddles, you must read between the lines

Behind the mask is where I cover my falling tears
Dig just below the surface and you’ll unearth my crippling fears

Behind the mask there are cloaked secrets unexplained and untold
Decipher the symbols to crack my encrypted codes


Behind the mask you’ll uncover my True expressions 
Remove and reveal parodies, and expose the false impressions

Behind the mask, it is hidden, my Individuality.
Not acting out some script of who I’m thought to be

Behind the mask is obscured my, vulnerability
 Suppressing the mounting manifestation of the inner me

Behind the mask it is disguised, my true reflection
Underneath open wounds inflected by rejection 

Behind the mask rest crushed and shattered dream
Where fear muzzles roaring whispers and screeching silent screams

Behind the mask is buried, my stolen youth
Deception, and cover-ups, masquerading as facts and truth

Behind the mask is where I screen the confusion
Look close and you’ll find, trickery and deception, draped in fantasy and optical 
illusions

Behind the mask it’s stifling; it is hard for me to breathe,
The walls of deceit  that i have built ,are quickly  closing in on me. 

I am trapped behind facades of smirks and phony smiles.
So may I please remove this mask just for a little while?

Chiquita Baity
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Mister Roboto Avatar
August 5, 2011 at 8:09 AM
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Not much warms my veins more than an HONEST writer, fearless and thorough. You tell it like it is. NEVER let anyone tell you how to write. You keep writing with the same intensity, bravery, honesty, and whatever the hell else you use to pump out these incredible pieces of work. You are in a league of you own. I mean it. Not much impresses me. You DO! Another 7 Rate and to my frikken' favorites!
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 1:29 PM
This was an honest look at what many of the kids I work with went through. The mask, like poetry, like anger and rage are coping skills for them. God Bless. Vince (Vincent, Vinny, And what my ex boss used to call me Vincenzo)
Falotico Avatar
July 20, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Congrats on your win!!!!!
Guzzi Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 1:24 PM
Oh yes take it off ;) Congrad's on your win. Light & Love [excellent rhyming!]
Mehta Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 8:16 AM
My congratulations on the first place win in the contest, Chiquita
George   Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 4:56 AM
I hope you entered this in Nett's mask contest as well - this is a Masterpiece. Many congrats on your SUPER WIN, Chiquita. Lainie
Brown Avatar
July 19, 2011 at 4:38 AM
Congratulations on your win in P.D.'s contest "Anything Goes" Chiquita. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
July 18, 2011 at 8:14 PM
Congrats Chiquita on your super first place win luv.. enjoy...
Warden Avatar
July 18, 2011 at 7:53 PM
Very well written. I think we all hide behind these masks..But you said it all...Good job..Congrats on your win...
Wesley Avatar
June 9, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Inciteful truth that begs to be acknowledged
Clark Avatar
June 1, 2011 at 2:58 AM
We are all tapped behind our own masks and are beggin for freedom. Great poem
Baity Avatar
June 1, 2011 at 4:54 AM
Thank You!
Coulstock Avatar
May 31, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Hi Chiquita-I think this is very skilfully written.And I am touched by your vulnerability and your honesty.I also find this strangely beautiful and quite emotional.I love it and would be honoured to add it to my favourites.Thank you. Love Sylvia-known as June.
Baity Avatar
June 1, 2011 at 4:53 AM
Thanks for your comment! I am honoured to have you add this poem to your favorites.
Brown Avatar
May 31, 2011 at 4:41 AM
A warm welcome to PoetrySoup I offer to you Chiquita. I wish for you the best in your writing endeavors whatever they may be. May you find inspiration by reading some of the poetry written here by other poets. Read and comment on their's and they will return in kind. May the sun shine on you that you might find great joy in your life. Love and blessing always, Carol
Baity Avatar
June 1, 2011 at 4:55 AM
Thanks for your warm wishes!
A  Avatar
May 31, 2011 at 3:22 AM
always becareful of the mask you wear and how you wear them luv*Skat
Baity Avatar
June 1, 2011 at 4:56 AM
Yes, that is very true!! Thank You!
Sweetheart Avatar
May 30, 2011 at 9:09 PM
Welcome to Poetry Soup.. so enjoyed reading your amazing creative poetry ... enjoy the site as u continue to share your words with luv..
Baity Avatar
June 1, 2011 at 4:55 AM
Thank You, i'm glad you enjoyed it!
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