2004 Rhubarb Cult Poetry Contest Winner

False Reflection

By Heide Hoffarth

Why do I conceal, why do I hide?
All these feelings I'm feeling inside.
Why do I feel so much pain?
All the blood rushes through my veins.
Why do I feel like I'm hurting another?
All I am is a mask with a cover.
Why cover something I can't even see?
All because I don't want you to see the real me.
Why do I feel like I'm wearing a mask?
All of my feelings I no longer grasp.
Why does all of this run through my mind?
All the answers; too hard to find.
Why try to look when I can't even see?
All I see is a reflection of me.

The writer is a student at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.