The Lies so dear...

All my lies are filthy rags,
And I feel so naked without them.
I hold on close & cling on tight,
As if I could hide my shame.

But I can't cover it 'cause it covers me,
And I'd do anything so that they wouldn't see,
How the lies become me;
A second skin.

I can't throw it away 'cause then they'd know:
What I've been wearing beneath it all.
I've counted the cost & I can't pay;
The truth is an expensive brand.

So I sully my suits & designer jeans,
Atop this patchwork of false means,
But still I can't feel clean,
No matter how hard I try.

And I wish I could,
Stand bare long enough to change;
To burn the rags & confess the lies.
I wish I could feel clean.

But it's too much to pay.
I'm saving up for another day.
For now, my tears will wash the dirt away.
Another lie that they can't see.