To some people I’m barely bruised
To others I’m deeply scarred
My character being hard
My true personality rarely shines through

My voice is strong but no one can tell
For my courage is weak when I’m afraid
And my feelings retreat to avoid being played
I write my songs and poetry to hopefully break the spell

I may act like it’s nothing, only a glitch
Inside, my mind is swimming trying to stay above water
Only, the longer I keep swimming the fire just gets hotter
Yet I don’t dare show that it’s way more than a shallow ditch

I’ve spent years building this wall around me
To keep my feelings and tears inside
To everyone else these feelings being denied
I create my mask so no one will see

You came along and let me know
That no matter what I feel
Whether or not it’s real
I don’t always have to put on that show

I now can talk and speak my mind
The words flowing onto the page
The bars gradually breaking from my cage
All because you were kind

My imagination can run wild
My life begins anew
My feelings finally true
Because you’ve known me since I was a child.

Each year I grow in spirit and strength
You helped me become who I am today
Your words of wisdom made it all okay
So remember my words no matter their length

You’ve done so much for me I know these feelings to be true
I know now that no matter what may pass
My heart is full of three little words of great mass
I love you