small expectations

i hide in a shell

of small expectations

it protects me

from the reality

that surrounds

when i feel brave

i peek out

just to let people know i'm there

but once i'm seen

i sneak back in

i hide in a broken shell

of small expectations

light seeps through

its cracks

my eyes memorized

by what lies beyond

unbearable truth

a burden i don't want to bear

the fear of disappointment

of failure

of not living up

to great expectations

so

i hide in my transparent shell

of small expectations