the reality of who we are
wrapped in layers of facades
nurtured by culture and family
binds us stoically in place
the lens to our essence
is worn only by the carefully in tune
and compassionate observers
they see us prominently in the opaque
yet fear continues to holds us in check
until the threshold of mediocrity is breached
as exasperation begins to break the hold
of the form of tortuous conformity our bodies inhabit
we set ourselves free, finally…