I am trying to get back into my poetry. The stuff I write isn't patriotic and is more on the depressing side. My uplifting stuff usually ends up sounding corny. Let me know if you all want to read more. This is one that I wrote years ago.

The Real Me
Every morning when I awake,
I put on a mask for all to see.
To all of those I do forsake,
All who cannot see the real me.

Why do I waste my time
Hiding behind a blatant mask?
All the while the clock will chime
Beckoning my daunting task.

I hate the way I can't be me
But someone I do not know.
All for the sake of popularity,
All for the precious show.

What will it take
to escape this life?
Until I can make
an end to this strife.

How long can I sit and hide
my true self from the world?
Bottling each feeling deep inside
Until all can be unfurled.

I know I'm not the only one
Who must try to be discreet.
The victory has not been won
that makes all lives complete.

I live on one big stage
Just putting on a show.
Everyday is a new page
In a book I do not know.

I have to act each day I live
In this precious role of mine.
This is all I am able to give
Until I can become thine.

Who can I show
The true essence of me?
All so I can know
The secret of my own ability.

All of my suffering will not last long
For I am becoming who I want to be.
My true beauty lies in song
Only to change what people will see in me.

I'm scared that I may lose
The little I have retained.
All because I have to choose
Between what I reveal and what I keep contained.