The Pretender Poem by Jojoba Mansell

Everybody thinks they know me,
know my heart, what I desire.
Always offering “wise” advice,
they can’t see my inner fire.

They think my moods are pleasant,
that I’m a calm emotional sea.
Not knowing that sharks are swimming,
or the waves that hammer me.

They see just what I show them,
I can never let them in.
I have too many inner demons,
it’s a struggle to hold them in.

I live as would an actor,
I must always play this role.
They see me, I’m pretending,
they shall never know my soul.