I smile a whole bunch,
and laugh and dance around.

Behind my smile, I cry
for a thousand reasons.

I stand confidently
in a crowd of classmates.

In truth I’m terrified,
of the number of us.

My face is angry red,
you have offended me.

Truthfully I am hurt
that you dissed my one dream.

Joy and anger show
to cover my feelings.

I am wearing a mask
to hide myself from me.