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Dinner went swell, I must say,
But the prospect of disillusionment went away,
As soon as I got home, tired and elated,
Wondering where that star was, the one that I created.

I looked into the mirror and saw, what I thought, was me,

A girl lavishly dressed up for galas and high tea.
I thought for a minute about who I was trying to fool,

Before realising that the whole world is cruel.

People will want you not to be yourselves,
So you can unwillingly become their trusty little elves.

Continuing the cycle of predator and prey,
Resulting in you getting nowhere at the end of the day.

Removing my makeup made me feel free,
As if I don’t have to conform with the regulations of society.
Free from all the expectations at last, Without having to be asked:

Are you okay with doing this?
Being forever dismissed,

Always being reminded that ignorance is bliss,
Feeling that I'm falling in a never-ending abyss.

Shreya Ramanan