Shadows

In a distance I see a shadow
Of a presence who's strong
Confident and stable, standing firm
Almost familiar, feels so close
Yet unfamiliar, i cannot comprehend
Full of strength, firm as a rock
I could almost admire
Then i walk close and i see the pain
Eyes filled with distress, hurt & regret
Mistakes that cannot be undone
Kept safely hidden, a distance away
Masked by the illusion of strength
It was too difficult searching for bliss
It was impossible to find peace
So ignorance was all that was left
From a distance I saw strength
But as I go closer, the pain is all I see
It isn't difficult deceiving others
But can you truly ever deceive yourself?
Then I'm there face to face
The shadow fades & I'm standing alone
And it's finally clear, I know who i see