Charlatan

Charlatan

I am a charlatan

I have deceived myself

I say how I need this particular man

I think now it is not that I need just any man

I need an eternal companion

I am a charlatan

I go hustling my goods and wares

Like I am on the auction block

At a flea market where integrity is lost

My values were bought and sold

I am a charlatan

I want to be loved yet it escapes me

I like being alone but it deceives me

I need a good man to cherish me

I want him who would seek me

I am a charlatan

To believe that being alone is freedom

To deny that I ache to be treasured

To believe that I am of little worth

To deny I want eternal rewards

I am a charlatan

C. Lin Rawlins September 24, 2000

Revision June 28, 2004