Thoughts in a Mask

I wear a mask to hide my face A shield to keep my feelings in their place My thoughts and emotions are locked inside And nobody sees the real me, I hide The world sees a smile, but it's not real I'm struggling with doubts and painful feelings I'm searching for answers, night and day But the mask I wear keeps me from finding my way My mask is thin, it's not a perfect disguise But it helps me keep my true self from prying eyes I'm afraid to show my true emotions Afraid of being hurt, or rejected, or wrong But sometimes, in the quiet of the night My mask slips away, and my true feelings take flight I feel the weight of my secrets and my pain And I wonder if I'll ever be free from this mask I wear in vain But morning comes, and I put it back on tight And hide my true self from the light I'll keep on wearing this mask, day and night Until I find the courage to be myself, and shine with all my light.