Written March 1994 when Jonathan is 14

Identity

by Jonathan Kraft

The mask of people,
destroys who we are,
the mask of people
will keep us from going far.
The mask of the people,
hides our true face,
the mask of the people,
separates by race.
When we define people,
by color and creed,
all we are left with,
is money and greed.
Someone dictates,
another doesn’t care.
When are we going to break down our walls?
When are we going to share?
What has happened to us?
Why don’t we listen,
to the voice deep inside
instead of forgettin’
that we’re all here together,
like it or not.
You’re killing potential,
when one of them’s shot.
Struck down to the ground,
forever there to remain.
“Your honor, don’t you see?
I was temporarily insane.”

The mask of the person,
keeps him inside.
The mask of the person
makes the real one hide.
The mask of the person
makes us lose hope.
The mask of the person
leaves the true one stuck on a boat.
Capsized in the ocean,
left without food.
A different one emerges
in a different mood,
which leaves those around it
feeling upset.
-Listening to the mask,
they later regret-
The feelings of pain,
too late to go back.
Maybe not,
if you listen to that,
that voice inside,
which calls to you,
and tells you what
you need to do.

The mask of you, the mask of me.
The mask we use, when they can’t see
the person who is there.
not just in the mirror.
the person inside,
will not just appear.
But you have another,
inside your soul.
A person who has your true
dreams and goals.
You should let it surface,
the person inside.
All your life,
it’s tried and tried
Now it’s here,
let it out.
That’s what life is all about.
Accept the person,
and show who you are.
When the person inside comes out,
we’ll go far