Just a random idea I thought of for a poem. I haven't done much poetry before, so apologies if it's kind of stilted in places.

(A B C B  D E F F E  G G)

——

Smile for the camera
Don't let them see a frown
At any sign of weakness
The world will go to town
Make sure to be brilliant
The perfect one you'll be
A shining light
Who's full of might
You'll make the doubters flee

Putting on a show
That is how you'll glow

—

I dress up in my nicest
And always do my hair
Even when I'm feeling down
A smile will be there
Crying is for babies
I won't do it at all
Just let them see
The perfect me
Then never will I fall

Putting on a show
This is my MO

—

Sometimes I feel lonely
There's no one else like me
I have to wear this flimsy mask
To keep my motions free
Am I really free though?
Is hiding who I am
The only way
I have to say
That I'm a good enough lamb?

Putting on a show
It's the only way I know

—

When do I get to be myself
And not just a pretty face?
Why do I have to hide the truth
Just to earn myself a place?
What about my interests?
I have feelings too...
But if all they'll take
Is my being fake
No wonder I'm so blue.

Putting on a show
How far does it have to go?

—

Someone nicely greeted me
And gave a welcome grin
Though hardly knowing me at all
She chattily jumped right in
Asking who I am as me
Instead of masks I wear
She showed me fun
The day's been won
And finally my shell I bare

This time I say "no"
To putting on a show