The Mask

Once upon a time I was a bright kid

But self doubt took a hold

As life happened and the years passed

I turned meek and not very bold.

Through my years in college

I would look at some of my friends

Wondering why I could not be like them

Their actions so full of confidence

Getting to know them better

I realized they too hesitated and were uncertain

But these doubts were well hidden 

Behind their confidence curtain

So I built myself a Mask of Confidence

And this mask became my new face

In the beginning the mask was brittle

Threatening to shatter and bring me disgrace 

In the months and years to come

This Mask of Confidence was my refuge 

My frontline defence

My savior during doubts deluge

I added layer upon layer to my Mask of Confidence 

Till that became my permanent face

I can now walk into a Palace

And they would say "looks like she owns this place"