two sides of the same coin
or distant evolutions
of divers paths
     one calculates coldly,
precisely, the root of facade,
deception, and hypocrisy
     the other’s passion burns
with naked lust and wild abandonment

romanticism is a device we use to disguise cynicism
cynicism a shell we use to protect our romantic heart

shells growing hard and strong,
     hiding cynical minds
from those who would love them
     despite their slime
thorns surrounding a lovely rose,
     protecting romantic hearts
from those who would pick them
     before their time

the ado we much display,
the dust we kick up,
     speaks the truth about us
our search for identity
frustrates our desire for unity
we share a common difference 
     that links us apart