Was right at heart,
Real in soul,
I gazed at everything — white and whole.
Each bond lit up with quiet sparkles,
As I wandered through endless marvels.

I walked every road with joy in stride,
Never seeing the tentacles rise.
Meanwhile, I fooled myself to believe,
That every encounter had something to leave.

Because it felt real,
I made vows with zeal —
Each one sacred, each one dear.
And this one,
I held closest to my chest,
Guarding every beating door that once colored my quest.

But oleanders look beautiful too —
Until you touch them,
And they bruise you.
Turns out...
Everyone around me
Was wearing a mask.