Magical Mystery Mask

Beneath lies, confusion, fear and aloneness,

I hide this, I don't want anybody to know it. 

panic at the thought of my weakness exposed.

That is,  if it's followed by acceptance, if it is followed by love.

It's the only thing that will reassure me of what I can't assure myself, that I'm worth something. 

I'm afraid your glance will not be followed by acceptance, will not be followed by love.

I'm afraid you'll think less of me.

I'm afraid that deep down I'm nothing and that you will see this and reject me.

I want to be genuine and spontaneous and me but you've got to let me.

You've got to hold out your hand even when that's the last thing I seem to want. Only you can wipe away from my eyes.

Only you can call me into aliveness. 

Each time you're kind, gentle and encouraging, each time you try to understand, because you really care,

My heart begins to grow wings.

Very small wings.

Very feeble wings.

But wings!

With your power to touch me into feeling you can breathe life into me.

I want you to know how important you are to me.

How you can be a creator an honest to God creator of the person that is me. 

If you choose to.

You alone can break down the wall behind which I tremble.

You alone can remove my mask.

You alone can release me from my shadow world of panic.

If you choose to.

But, I am told that love is stronger than strong walls and in this lies my hope.

Please try to beat down those walls with gentle hands, for a child is very sensitive.