Tainted

I’m just a shell of what I used to be. Now you say I’m beautiful and innocent, Cheerful and sweet. I may be those things now But blinding beauty, whitest innocence True cheerfulness and sweetness like pure sugar… Those are what I used to be. Before reality laid its icy grasp on my shoulder Shattered my rose-colored glasses And replaced them with a jaded view. Before cynicism was my companion And darkness entered my world. Innocent childish trust replaced by wariness and suspicion. Beauty torn down by rejection and Replaced by self-consciousness. Altruistic sweetness tinged by desire. And lighthearted cheer shrouded in caution, Overshadowed and stifled by disappointment. And yet they still call me beautiful and innocent, Cheerful and sweet. If you like me as I am now Scarred and broken by the world’s ways How much you would’ve loved me Before I was tainted.