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My Own Phantom of the Opera

A face in two

By Calvin LondonPublished 3 months ago Updated 3 months ago 1 min read
Author's image created in PowerPoint_2025

A face in two

One true, one not,

I don’t let you see what I forgot.

The memories of times gone by

A life of half-truths and a bitter lie.

I shield this part so nobody can see

My personal agony and ecstasy.

Dark shadows that I choose to hide

Behind a mask from when I lost my pride.

Don’t look at me like some garish ghoul,

I may look strange, but I am no fool.

A face in two

One true, one not,

I show the world another shot

I show a smile for all to see

I want the world to believe in me.

A casual glance, a beaming smile

A picture of happiness I compile.

A diversion of the strangest kind

An image I want stuck inside your mind.

Pick this side, focus here,

Not what’s hidden by the other veneer.

A face in two

One true, one not

Which one do you think is true?

******

Till next time,

Calvin

Submitted for the Masks We Wear challenge:

performance poetryRequest FeedbackStream of Consciousness

About the Creator

Calvin London

I write fiction, non-fiction and poetry about all things weird and wonderful, past and present. Life is full of different things to spark your imagination. All you have to do is embrace it - join me on my journey.

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Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

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  1. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  2. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

  3. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

  1. Masterful proofreading

    Zero grammar & spelling mistakes

  2. On-point and relevant

    Writing reflected the title & theme

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Comments (8)

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  • Mother Combs3 months ago

    Such a great entry, Calvin. Love this

  • Caitlin Charlton3 months ago

    I don't let you see what I forgot, that hits hard. It's the desire to forget, but it's permanence remain. When you lost your pride. Oh my. That one. I didn't see it coming. The line that followed rip me out of my speechlessness. May look strange. Oh wow. The world love the 'looks' don't it? When it matches their detailed aesthetics. 'I want the world to believe in me' this tugs at my heart strings. Very haunting now. Especially with the line of an image stuck inside our mind. Outstanding work Calvin 🤗 🖤❤️🖤

  • Well written… well weighed up, with lovely rhythm and rhyme.

  • Aarish3 months ago

    Your rhythm and rhyme flow seamlessly, enhancing the emotional weight of the poem. It feels both theatrical and deeply human.

  • Antoni De'Leon3 months ago

    Well now, i'm not sure who you are. how to find out...well said

  • Marie381Uk 3 months ago

    Wonderful, this is wow 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

  • Excellent take on the challenge and love the image

  • Oooo, its like a riddle. I loved it!

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