My Own Phantom of the Opera
A face in two

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:
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.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme


Comments (8)
Such a great entry, Calvin. Love this
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.
Your rhythm and rhyme flow seamlessly, enhancing the emotional weight of the poem. It feels both theatrical and deeply human.
Well now, i'm not sure who you are. how to find out...well said
Wonderful, this is wow 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Excellent take on the challenge and love the image
Oooo, its like a riddle. I loved it!