Growing up I was told to expect the worst from everybody.
(Even myself)
Growing up,  I was taught my worth equated the applause my acting invoked 
( a standing ovation or radio silence)
When I asked why I had to to follow the manuscript  in the first place 
They sat me down and told me
"Dear child, because perception trumps reality"
(of course)

That was the day I started making my masks
Using threads woven from the core of societal propriety and a needle forged in the depths of feminine etiquette .
( I learned to say "yes, sorry" and not "yes, but..." )

Until I realised your worth is what you make of yourself. So I self actualized and for the first time, I saw me.
Mask off.
And it's a wonderful world
-A segment from my previous poem perception and reality
#growingup

© Ma-cal