Real

You see me 

Or do you 

You see the picture I create 

You see the illusion 

Carefully constructed imagery  

An intricate facade 

Will you be taken in 

By the bright sparkly lights 

Fooled by the spackle and paint 

Concealing ancient cracks 

“I want to know the real you” 

Your hollow words say 

From your equal veneer 

Of lies and polish 

Real reaches out to real 

Truth is touched by truth 

And for all of our bravado 

We still speak 

from behind the curtain 

I want to be liked 

I want to be loved 

Yet, when I wear this false front 

Those never ring true 

Do you like me 

Do you love me 

Do you see me 

Am I real? 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

January 13, 2026