I was hurt
once
twice
too many times
and I lost myself
along the line
Forgot who I was
forgot to be true
felt the real me
falling through
This shell I show
the mask I wear
are all people know
they can not see
who I am

But then you claim to know
claim to see
what it is that
I am hiding beneath

A mask is what I show
afraid to be hurt
A shell is what you see
not the real girl
For how can you see
what is no longer there?
Lost and forgotten
I do not know
who I am
So I put on
a cheerful facade
hide behind a mask
of happiness
and I beg you
please, stop looking!
A shell is better left
unbroken