Mask

Surrounded by beauty I sit and think
how much of this is a lie, black as ink?
maybe all is simply an illusion
brought on by a terrible contusion
day after day I survive this dark fantasy
with a plastic production of ecstasy
everyone tells everyone else they’re fine
only because no one dares to cross the line
and no one looks deep into their eyes
to see beyond all those cruel lies
as I sit and cry my way though the night
I wish I could see the truth and be blinded by the light
those around me tell me to open up
so I pour out my life’s blood, only to find them a shallow cup
they listen for a moment then think “duty fulfilled”
if I continue on their energy is all but killed
yet those same people flock to me, their secrets to tell
I sympathize and listen, trapping myself inside this hell
I go through the daily motions, it seems
as though my life were but a dream
I am quite simply floating around, lost
and now I wonder what may be the cost
I sometimes question if I am still whole
or if I could be — maybe — wandering without a soul
but until my salvation takes shape
I shall wait in silence for my escape