Man in the Iron Mask

I spent so many years hiding
That I have forgotten
If it was truly my choice,
Or if it was the decision
Of those
Who threw me away
To keep me
From the world.

Shackled for my own protection,
But never asked how they fit.

Told that the Sun still rises,
But discouraged from seeing it myself.

And now
I’m starting to wonder
If I’m only a monster
In the eyes of those
Who fear
How much good
I can do