Be careful of strangers they said,

Be weary of men with hidden agendas, they said.

But no one ever told me to be careful 

Of the one in the mirror, with eyes so shameful.

Be careful of the world which is so selfish and dangerous,

Someone is waiting to stab you with a smile so infectious.

They said to go slow, to look back, watch my every step,

Don’t rest, be wide awake, listen for their footsteps.

My fear within, is slowly killing me from inside,

I face an unexpected enemy who is here to reside.

She is with me, always watching through the looking glass

Watching and waiting for the right moment to pierce my heart, alas!

The outside knows not how to tame me,

And my shadow is scared to walk beside me.

Time is of the essence, she is ready to kill

But I am afraid all I can do is to lie very still.

My cries go unnoticed to those who see the surface,

My mind is running an impossible race.

The warnings of the people failed to prepare me

Unaware, that I am my own worst enemy …