you nagging sparrows, stay away!
see my eyes, watching always.
see my trophies, certificates, grades.
see my pride, demons, stay away!

do not look too close, I pray.
do not see this painted fraud.
do not see my scales and pride
crumbling slightly under stress.

see these colors! they mean poison!
see my smile, it means I’m fine.
see the forest, not the trees.
pay no attention to those rotting leaves.

do not touch the butterfly:
you will cripple its wings forever.
do not inspect my state of mind:
this facade is holding me together.