---

Separated from her core, disavowing natural

Blends of weaknesses as well as strengths

A mere hologram of what she wishes to be

Colourised by fragile defences and idealisations

A relentless narcissistic projection of infallibility

Through a thin glass veneer of superiority.

Hiding behind a smokescreen of excellence

Blowing excessively to hide from frustrations, failures

She strikes at others verbally, physically

Especially those closest proximally, emotionally

To distract from her own imperfections

While terrified of her unphotoshopped face.

Each accusation shines a peek into her fears

Of her own human fallibility,

Of being just one more in a roll of billions, 

And finally seeing the hologram for what it truly is:

A fleeting image of what she wishes to be,

Never her solid, authentic self.

---

E Kraft is a poet who enjoys creating origami art and coding for a non-profit organisation. Her poems have been published by The Inlandia Institute, The Hanging Loose Press, The National Poetry Quarterly, and others. She is grateful for everyone who has read her poems or attended her readings.