The Impostor

Rhymed poem by Naeumi C. Gonzales Second Place, Literary Contest 2023 Poems Category

Drowning in the worries of the sea, The pedestal was removed from me.

The cages were tight, I couldn’t break free. I must try, perfection is the key

I was the prodigy wannabe, Until someone blew the candle in me. The fire was gone, the warmth flee, Felt useless in my image that I see.

Validation has gravity, Feels good, but it takes your sanity.

It is grey, it is dull, it is empty. One mistake, you’ll have to pay the penalty.

I grew tired of the praises, The pressure and the gazes, Standing tall, yet about to break, But no one should see my heartache.

I reached the summit, yet I slipped. Heard a laugh, behind my back, From the ground, I turned around.

I was surprised to see, the grinning image of me.