Dust-laden paint

Dust-laden and worn, my paint now fades
Once colorful, now dull in the shades
Comments, teasing, and exclusion's sting
Has led to the deterioration of everything

Growing up without self-esteem is like living soulless
Existing in the shadows, remaining unnoticed
Afraid to try new things, to step beyond my walls
I stayed within my comfort zone, refusing life's calls

Now at twenty, I am tired of pretending
Of telling others that I am content with solitude unending
For deep down, I know it is not true
No one has taken the time to see the real me, it's overdue

No one has stopped to observe the bend of my roof tiles
Or how the creak of my wooden floors reconciles
With moments I've lived and feelings inside
That I've kept hidden, now hard to hide

And so, I stand here, with dust-covered paint
My soul yearning to break free from this restraint
For I know I am more than what meets the eye
And it's time to let my true colors fly.