I am but alone inside this head, a thing which I did always dread.

A part of me wants to get away
and doesn’t know how to escape.
Another part wants to stay
and retracts itself, refusing
to look for a way.
A part of me wants the space and the light,
the life and the green,
but doesn’t see the exit, so bright and clean.
Another part observes the hole (insanity?)
in the web of mediocrity,
analyzes it frigidly
and laughs cynically,
returning to its dark cave.
Duality, ambiguity.
Dream and reality.
Will and refuse.
Audacity and fear.
I’m also a human being,
that’s unfortunately clear...

Escape by Roberta Ramos

I caught the sob in my throat,
before it could alert the watchers,
of my misery.
I ironed the smile back into place.
Combed my hair in the two way mirror,
and turned to face the crowd.
I couldn't show my feelings out loud.
Could I?

Mask by Marie Smith