Just Pretending
A Mask Worn
Pretend
it wasn't you.
It was someone else
touched inappropriately --
too young to fight.
*
Pretend it wasn't you,
afraid of yet another visit in the dark.
It was someone else
hiding tears behind the smiles.
Pretend the sleepless nights
are a byproduct of hard work.
Pretend the hard work is just that --
not for burying yourself
in something other than memories.
*
Pretend the you who finally said "no"
said it sooner.
Pretend the forgiveness you gave yourself is real.
Like an actress born into a role,
Pretend as if your sanity depends on it.
It just may.
About the Creator
Julie Lacksonen
I'm a soon-to-be retired music educator - 39 years at the same school. One more! I enjoy writing, reading, walking, swimming, and spending time with family.
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