They called you shy
They called you different
They called you awkward
They called you weird
They called you unlovable
So you put on your masks one layer at a time…
A mask of false confidence
A mask of uniform interests
A mask of mindless chatter
A mask of normalcy
A mask of protection
Layers and layers of masks
Until you didn’t recognize yourself
Habits that aren’t yours
But habits that define you anyway
So you chip away at the masks
Making cracks
To let your light shine through
But is hard work
Breaking free is exhausting
And you find yourself wondering
If you are strong enough
To break free on your own
But you don’t have to do it alone
You just have to let people love you
Let your guard down enough
To let their love shine through
To help widen the cracks
Until finally…
You can break free
To be who you truly are
And know that you are loved
Just for being you