Mask

 Another poem dealing with his mental torment. 


Mask

All my life I’ve worn a mask, as an automatic habit

Living with a predator, but inside I was a timid rabbit

 

Weak and vulnerable, I lived in fear under a disguise

Pain after pain, I buried myself under a mountain of lies

 

Year after year, beaten and bruised till deceit became real

Harden my heart; hurt ‘em first till anger was all I could feel

 

Couldn’t tell who I was, so I showed the world who I wasn’t

No escape from the blows of his hand or the cuts from a sharp tongue

Broken heart and beaten down spirit, glazed over eyes of the young

 

Day after day, food for the predator, living in Hell

Trusting no one, no love to give, a turtle without a shell

 

My scarred remains laid down before a cross

Born again with a sword and shield, saved by Jesus my new Boss

 

Forgiven but not forgotten, I know the nature of the beast in man

New confidence without fear for those brave souls who seek out God’s plan

 

~ by Joel Purkerson

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