Masking yourself always seemed easier they said.

Fear always obtained me, strapping me down in

 Chains and holding me in its hands as I struggled.

Just look into my eyes and you will see a shy girl.

The way of my being gives me desires to shiver,

So revealing my disguise stuffs me with dread.

I am not just an ordinary young one. While

Humans turn away from learning, I thirst for knowledge.

 While humans love being together and articulate, I

Isolate myself with publications in a rear corner.

Privacy was my best friend and always has.

Fitting into their puzzle seemed perfect, as I expected

More joy but instead got an unpleasant gift of sadness.

I feared revealing my inner spirit due to judgment.

Here I am now behind a drapery of true being,

Petrified and obnoxious. Then it comes to light thinking,

Will it truly matter to them if they are my sincere companions?

By: Janie Espinoza