Exposing My Vulnerabilities, Unmasked, Abuse Poem

Exposing My Vulnerabilities

I was sexually abused by my brother during my childhood. Dividing my inner self from the "me" I show the world has allowed me to rise to success in many areas: social, economic, and academic. Yet, it is this driving force which isolates; it creates a giant wall between myself and the people around me. They think I am beautiful, successful, lucky. The guilt and pain I perpetually endure as a result of the abuse makes me feel as though I am living a double life.

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Unmasked

Published: October 5, 2018

Don't believe my words;
they're lies that I fabricate to
project a perfect life and
convince you I'm okay.

Don't trust the smile you see;
it's a facade to conceal
searing pain, acute shame,
sheer heartache.

Don't get fooled by my laughter;
it is merely an echo
of hollow insides, yearning
for senses to return.

Don't get convinced by my clarity and order;
borne in attempt to
control the chaos
and pacify the storm brewing inside.

Don't be blinded by
The perfection I exude,
The courage I fake,
The innocence I feign,
The confidence I wear-
For I am broken.