When everyone sees her their eyes fill with stars
It’s hard to see scars under all that charm
Don’t get too close; you’ll avoid harm
The Queen of Hearts has many cards up her sleeve
Some meant to shed light and some meant to deceive
The queen is no queen it’s easy to see
She must keep track of every good deed
Trying to convince herself of what everyone sees
With every “you’re welcome” an emotional sea 

Will I ever feel comfortable to defend the real me?
No not a queen but the defender of dreams

a servant to the pain of the people I wish to please
A house of cards, fragile but standing in place
Who will I be today? A joker or an ace?
Anything I do today can scatter me out of place
With a flimsy foundation it’s hard to feel safe.

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45 Magazine Women’s Journal is accepting submissions from women AND men!