Winking slightly, to amuse my people
trying desperately to hide the grimace I bear on my face.
Back rim-rod straight, all the while acting the part
being the leader I'm supposed to be.
I'm not royal truly, but still, they look to me
come to me for answers,
their reluctant confidant
their secret-keeper, and catcher of dreams.
I stand prim and proud, hiding all thoughts within
entirely different from what I've shown them
a separate being from that distant girl I've proved myself to be
I hide away in the shadows, locking away the truth
in a small, latched iron box.
Trapped as the lead
- the actress, the star -
in this play of life I didn't audition for
but these lines I know so well
A prisoner to the masquerade
a person behind the dark mask
yet still a child, and still I do have a soul.