Pay no attention 

to the man behind the curtain.

I paid no attention

that is for certain.

I did everything I could

to hide the real me.

I put on a fake mask

for everyone else to see.

The smile I wore,

the happiness I showed,

The feelings I felt inside,

I made sure no one would know.

I created a face

I thought everyone would like.

But the real me

I knew, would come out at night.

I worry, I care,

I laugh, I cry

Why I wanted no one to know

I am beginning to know why.

I am real, I have emotions

although I was afraid to show

I am confident with me now

and I don't care who knows.

Pay no attention 

to the man behind the curtain

I now pay full attention

that, I know, for certain.