I hide
In this soft, shy, shell
I hide the fire that drives me
And the vibrancy of my passions
I hide my bite
And the edge to my emotions
I camouflage my steely perseverance
And imbomitable determination
Beneath this supple skin and these soft curls
I hide my spark like a candle inside a lantern, glinting meekly only to be seen by those who care to peer and search within
I hide my sharp wit
And my careless tongue
I hide my aches
I hide my needs
I disguise my desire for love
And for care
I hide my want for attention
And for validation
I don't show my vulnerabilities
Or my truly soft side
This soft, shy shell hides the purely vulnerable, needing parts of me as much as it hides my passion and bite
And that
Is the true tragedy
