altered self

if i peeled these skins off

would i get another chance

if i somehow altered myself

would the universe mistaken me

for another being and let me live

again as someone else?

would i still endure the same sadness

the same emptiness, the same hollow ground

inside my lungs where i hide

my suicidal thoughts?

if i didn’t breathe out anxiety

and learn to smile on command,

would anyone notice any difference?

t.l.