A Life Not Lived

A Life Not Lived
By
Richard Vance


I ‘m here for all the world to see,
At least the outward parts of me,
But only the traits I wish to show
Will be the one’s you’ll get to know.

Some characteristics, I will hide,
To most the truth I won’t provide
With what I think and truly feel,
To the world, my outward shell is real.

Among colleagues, bosses, part-time friends
The act upon the stage depends
On what is needed, day by day
Who must I be, what I should say?

The deception goes on year by year,
The real me hidden by the fear
Of being judged or criticized
Or how I’m seen through other’s eyes.

Life’s masquerade is just a shame,
To follow rules and play the game
To live a life behind the wall
Is to regret a life not lived at all.