"You and Me" Inspired by The Words We Keep:

You and Me

Who I am

depends on who you are –

or, at least,

who I think that you think that I am.

I want you to like me –

whoever you are –

so I showcase the pieces of me

that you’re most likely to like –

I think.

I’m more afraid of your judgment,

the opinions of a stranger,

than I am of denying parts

of myself.

I’m too scared to be

completely honest

with you about me –

or, at least,

honest with you about everything.

If you ask,

I’ll tell you the truth,

but it’s a catered truth.

I avoid admitting the

bright spots

of my innocence

and the

imperfections desperately hidden –

depending on who you are,

depending on what you want to hear.

Somehow

somewhere

I am both.

I am imperfect

but striving to become my best.

And humans can be cruel.

I am scared you’ll tear me down

for any reason.

So I hide

parts of myself.

The pieces I want you to see

are the ones we share.

If we’re the same –

if I’m not something separate from you –

than there’s nothing to mock,

nothing to criticize,

because you and me

are the same.