This Photo of Me, Smiling This photo of me, smiling Is such a shock. In every photo previous I am awkward, ill-at-ease, unhappy, Artificial. My face, a mask that I could not Remove. The strength I sought denied me Because I would not face the truth. When I finally did, it (as they say) set me free. Yet people still ask me if it is worth The fear, the hatred, and the prejudice. Oh yes, I tell them, oh yes For that Unholy Trinity no longer binds me. What would you give to be yourself? I ask in return. They look at me, puzzled. They have not realised That who I was before was no more me Than a flat image in a mirror, A dull reflection— All that went before, blurred and sluggish. The picture is in focus now: No more awkward poses and plastic smiles. The camera captures happiness and peace of mind, A naturalness I now possess. So when people ask if it is worth the price I pay To be myself I look at them, puzzled, As, deep inside, a small voice (which could, I think, level mountains) Wells up: Oh yes, it says, oh yes. By Title By Chronology By Category
		Content © 1995-2001 Kalev Hunt (kalev@pobox.com)