An overt show of confidence

Masking chronic insecurity

A balancing act like no other

Living two lives simultaneously

An alter ego to protect the ego

A wall of silence camouflaged by noise

Intricate distraction tactics at play

Revealing my thoughts

In order to conceal my soul

Controlling the narrative

Asking all the questions

Keeping the conversation trivial

Seek to commandeer attention

And control where it goes

Avoid eye contact

They can’t be trusted to pretend

Hiding nothing but the shame

Yet leaving the pain and fear

For all to see

An obtuse version of bravery

With all the bark and no bite

The same energy spent on a lie

Could be utilised to fly