Be Yourself

 

 

Be yourself!

That’s what I’ve been told

And that I have tried

Being quite bold.

 

I kind of knew

Who I was back then

But in these times

I have a problem.

 

I may be one thing

But I may feel differently,

Which self am I?

That’s the mystery.

 

It’s not as straightforward

As you may think,

Like boys are blue

And girls are pink.

 

I am trapped

In another’s body

And trying to get out

With much difficulty.

 

 

Be yourself!

Which self do you mean?

Who I came as

Or to whom I lean?

 

So when I am me

I am ridicule

Since by my exterior

That is the rule.

 

I know how I feel

But you do not

Yet, you judge me

Like you’re in my spot.

 

What I feel inside

I don’t look like outside

So I act what I feel

And me you chide.

 

 

“Be yourself!” you say

But you don’t have a clue

Yet you want to decide

Which self must do.

 

At times too

I don’t feel the same

And being myself

Might appear insane.

 

It’s very complicated,

I hope you see

Being yourself

Is not always easy.

 

I have this feeling

Going on the inside

That is far different

From the outside.

 

 Whatever I feel

Is really who I am,

I may look like Mary

But feel like Sam.

 

 To be myself is Sam

Certainly not Mary,

So back up, my friend

And don’t judge me.

 

The cry of one

Who is this confused,

Given this admonition

He won’t be amused.

Investigate a little

Before you advise,

In the times we live

That would be wise.

 

Stewart Russell © October 2019