Other people have always seen me as strong. That was a lie.

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