Other people have
always seen me
as strong.
That
was a
lie.
A charade.
A disguise
I wore to keep
me safe
in public.
The truth
is, I've always
been
afraid
of letting anyone get
too close.
I built a
wall
around me,
a barricade
to hide
behind
those few times someone
wanted
entry
to my
heart.
-Perfect, Ellen
Hopkins