The Man Beneath
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"The Man Beneath" explores the universal human experience of wearing a mask and presenting a curated version of ourselves to the world while concealing our vulnerabilities and inner struggles. It delves into the themes of hidden pain, the fear of judgment, and the yearning for authentic connection.
This poem reflects the complexities of identity and the courage it takes to reveal our true selves. I hope it resonates with readers who have felt the weight of hidden emotions and encourages a deeper understanding of the human experience beyond surface appearances.
Listen to poem:
The mask I wear, a crafted porcelain guise,
Hides uncharted depths behind these shadowed eyes.
You glimpse the surface—an actor’s polished play—
But the soul beneath? He walks a world astray.
These laughter lines, etched scripts of light and cheer,
Conceal the wars I've waged, the silent fear.
My casual stride, a dance of practiced ease,
Cloaks ancient burdens, whispered on the breeze.
The tales I weave—a tapestry ornate—
Thread vivid joys, yet darker truths await.
Each word I speak, wrapped firm in bold disguise,
Veils restless doubts, unvoiced beneath the skies.
I long to strip this mask and let you peer
Into the fractured core, the flaws sincere.
Yet fear of scorn—a binding, spectral chain—
Keeps truths submerged in quiet, unseen rain.
Perhaps one day, in courage, I’ll reveal
The man unmasked—the wounds that time won’t heal.
Expose the jagged pieces—light and night—
And hope you’ll see a soul, both fierce and slight.
Until that hour, this visage I’ll sustain,
A nameless shadow, hiding depth and pain.
But know, beyond this painted, bright façade,
Dwells more than meets the eye—a soul unflawed.
Copyright © Joel Hawksley | Year Posted 2025
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