Unveiled

Don’t tell me I’m strong.

Tell me I can be frail in your presence,
that I can fall apart,
let tears slink down my cheeks
in ribbons, bearing secret fears.

Let me be limp, pliable,
lying my head on your rugged knees
to rest my screeching mind.

Stroke my hair,  
let me inhale the sweetness
of my toppled guard.

Allow me to just be,
without having to paint
an iron mask.