The Masks I Wear

        Don't be fooled by me. Don't be fooled by the face I wear for I wear a thousand masks, masks that I am afraid to take off and none of them are me. Pretending is an art that is second nature to me. I give the impression that I am secure, that everything is fine with me, that confidence is my name and coolness is my game. And that I need no one. But don't be fooled by me.
         My surface seems smooth, but my surface is my mask. Beneath the mask is the real me-- confused, frightened and alone. But I hide this. I don't want anyone to know it. I panic at the thought of my weaknesses and fear being exposed. That's why I create a mask to hide behind-- a nonchalant, sophisticated facade to help me pretend, to shield me from the glance that knows.