My fingers clutch at the curtains physically pulling with all my might to rip them open

But my mind keeps them closed

My mind reminds me of my treasure map skin riddled with scars and abrasions that noone will ever accept

Its just protecting me, my mind, from the ridicule I'm sure I will experience if I ever did open up and step out into the spotlight

So I shy away from the attention and potential rejection

Self persevatuon is what it is, really

I'm backstage alone, no supporting actors to share the stage with

I've tried and failed to carry out this play alone

It's an impossible task

Despite all this though I still think to myself as I sit backstage alone, that next year will be a brighter year

Even if no light shines through the thick curtains in front of me