I had never been to a Mardi Gras before, but it sounded like it could be fun. In fact, I was quite excited about it. I hadn’t long been out of the army, so could do with a change of scene. It wasn’t at all like I expected. At first, I was a little hesitant about going on my own, but everyone was so friendly. If fact, most people were very friendly. Friends did warn me that going alone may be a problem as I could fall vict...

I remember there were two of them, a man and a woman. They both wore masks? First, they sat me in the chair, then shone a bright light in my face. The man shuffled behind me and began to question my plans for the weekend? I couldn't reply because the woman was busy stuffing something into my mouth. It was horrible! I closed my eyes, I just wanted it to be over. Next thing I remember, someone handed me a glass of water! “R...

This smiling mask I wearUpon my face for you all to seeHides the anguish beneathAnd the swelling tears in my eyesWhen I look in the mirrorIt's not the one you see before youBut the real face beneathAnd that truly scares meThe harsh cold that surrounds meOf loneliness and that sense of fearFills my mind with bad thoughtsOf pain and suffering I've enduredThis path I find myself walkingDistant and cruel with each step tookTh...

This is a world of illusion,where truth gives way to fictionPeople say they want the real,but too much and they will bristle Where those who say they are open,lock you out when they are done,and the non-judgmental among us,will define you by your weakness They tell you to let your light shine though,but only if it stays out of their view,or that you're connected to all,while they hide behind a wall Speak your mind and the...

Welcome to the masquerade, the gowns crafted and handmade, with not a thread in sight frayed, the beautiful on paradeDon your chosen ornate mask, in the revelers, come bask, drink from the gold-laden cask, but for truth, don't you dare askAll of this is perfection, enjoy the scripted action, and those who play the motion, anything else, you can shunHere, we can all hide away, drink your drink and dance and sway, while a f...

This mask I wear, the one you can’t see, it’s there to protect me. I put it on when I need safety. It’s there to protect me. When I feel at my most scared, I put it on, and hide my fears. The pain I've seen and the pain I've felt overwhelms me. I can’t undo what I've seen, or even what I've been through. This mask I wear, the one you can’t see, it’s there to protect me. I've been lied to, hurt, and even lied too, I can’t...

You wanna know why I stand as tall as I do? Why I look so proud? Why I have this stupid mask up? Why, even with all that, I look away when you look me in the eyes? Because I don't want you to see the real me. Because I don't want you to know how much I actually slouch. I don't want you to see how ashamed I am. I don't want you to see how broken I am underneath all this painted happiness. Because you don't need to know all...

"Sit and listen,Sit and listen..." That's all I'll do, I'll sit here, in this seat, Listen to you drone on and on. No, I don't mind, but when you ask me if I'm okay, and I say yes, Can you ask again? Maybe then I'll tell you the truth. "Look right through me,Look right through me..." I'll stand, present this to you, tell you the basics of myself, you won't ask for any more. But if you did, would I tell you more? Maybe. Bu...