You’ve worn that mask for so long,
Woven together pieces
Of your own defense mechanisms
And other people’s expectations,
With roots that dig down
Deep into your skull.
You know you need to take it off now,
Or you will never be happy.
It will not be easy,
And it will hurt like hell.
It will be a violent affair,
With fingers digging into skin
Ripping away everything
That you are not.
What remains will be
Terrifyingly raw and honest.
Mangled flesh and blood
Hanging from a naked skull.
But it will be you,
And it will be
Fucking beautiful.

— J. Warren Welch
@j.warren.welch on Instagram