We always place our best foot forward,

Only presenting our likable traits

While lying dormant inside us,

Our less appealing characteristics await.

But not so deep down as you’d imagine.

On the contrary, the veil is quite thin.

So let us strip away the flattering concealment

To face the monsters festering within.

Who knew someone so poised and confident

Could be so insecure?

Or someone so bright and cheery could have

So many hardships to endure?

Could someone who seems so virtuous and moral

Possibly be so impure?

Or someone who seems so quiet and reserved

Be a vessel for hate so dure?

Don’t let tricks of the light fool you,

The cold shadows are still painfully real

And they will always cling tightly to us

Like shackles on our heels.