Confession

• Annabelle Tan, Grade 8
• Poetry
• 2022

What do you see when you look at me?
I see a fraud, a liar, an imposter
I see all the ugliness embedded deep
You praise me for my good heart and caring nature
But I’m not the person who you take me to be

If only you saw the ugly thoughts that plague my head
They’re my own kind of poison that's trying to spread
I try to shut them out, keep them deep down inside
But still, they come crawling back when I shut off the lights

If only you knew what went on inside my mind
Then there would be nothing left for me to hide
But would you still view me in your golden light?
No, you’d probably feel disgusted; horrified
I feel it too when I see my reflection and stare

Because I am not your dream
I am my own worst nightmare