Underneath

Would you look away from me
now that I've removed my mask?
You have begged and pleaded,
cajoled and convinced me,
insisting that you wanted to see.

Now my face is bare
though I trembled to make it so,
And you cannot stand to look,
to gaze upon
that which I kept hidden.

I once thought myself a coward
for hiding like I do.
I thought it was a weakness,
but then I look at you
and the truth is revealed.

I could make you look,
I can never make you see,
This mask that I am wearing
protects you far more
than it protects me.