Mistaken Poem by Emily Straka

I thought I knew who I was,
until I looked in a mirror.
I saw pain in my eyes,
the trembling of my hands.
There was fear in my movements,
hesitation in my breathing.

I thought I was brave.
I thought I was strong.
even if only for the others around me.
I thought I was carefree,
but the I saw so much sin in my reflection.

I knew I was mean,
I knew I could be selfish.
I never expected what was waiting.
The knowing, the longing, the expectations.

They wanted more from me,
but I had nothing left to give.
They thought I was better;
I guess we were both mistaken,
They dreamt of a new beginning,
while I had nightmares of the past.
They thought they saw the truth,
until I showed them all of their lies.