In a Strange Skin

In a Strange Skin


I am an alien in these foreign lands,
A stranger from another when.
I am a visitor from afar
Wrapped in the skin of men.

Each day I see these humans live,
Each skill I try to use.
But they fit no clear cut purpose
Or the path that I should chose.

To those who see my coat of flesh,
They assume that I'm one of them.
But I'm still an alien visitor
Encased in flesh and skin.

When people see my skin,
They don't see my face or name.
They assume I act like the others
And don’t see I’m not the same.

I laugh when I am happy.
I cry when I'm sad.
I yawn when I'm tired.
I growl when I'm mad.

When I bleed my blood is red.
When I hunger, I eat meat and fish.
Doesn't that make me human?
Did I miss a special wish?

Maybe my soul is wrong,
Or the skin upon my face?
Is my gender the critical problem?
How should I live within this race?

Maybe I should be a demon,
Since my intent would be clear.
For demons have no souls
And demons shed no tears.

Do I need to please the masses
When I enter a crowded room?
Must I hang my head in shame
And play as someone's tool?

Do I want to be a human
Who walked these foreign sands?
I can't since I'm the alien
Trapped in the skin of man.