When they clap,
I shrink in my skin
unworthy to receive.
Like, it’s a façade they see.
Are they clapping for me?
Or to be polite,
for moral support, right?
This is the dialogue in my head;
Am I who I say I am?
Or is it today’s narrative I coined myself?
Fluent in nodding while doubting,
I sit still beneath their praise.
It’s as if my skin is glass
see-through, bare,
naked.
Though, I did the work,
I must convince them
it came from me.
In a room where I’m small,
I arrive in costume.
They applaud.
I stay.
I pretend.
Hoping one day,
this costume will become my skin.
About the Creator
Natasha Collazo
Selected Writer in Residency, Champagne France ---2026
The Diary of an emo Latina OUT NOW
https://a.co/d/0jYT7RR
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Poetry Workshop
Previously, I published my first ever exclusive story on Vocal. If you’ve subscribed to my work, then you have access to it. Thank YOU for your support. I hope to make each read worth your while. So with that, I’ll be posting insights for exclusive readers only, such as a workshop on my craft. The hows and who’s of my stories. Pretty much revealing my secrets on how I write with you. So welcome fam, and let’s get started!
By Natasha CollazoExclusive • about a year ago
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 3 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (11)
Exceptional poem & take on the poem. I especially like: “ Am I who I say I am? Or is it today’s narrative I coined myself? Fluent in nodding while doubting,”
Ouch. This felt so relatable. My friend, I need to dive into your work more often. This was so eloquently written and actually serves as another reminder for yourself that you are in no way shape or form an imposter and that you deserve to be considered a writer, poet, artist. Well done!
"Hoping one day, this costume will become my skin" felt personal and so very relatable.
So relatable, Natasha. So relatable.
It sucks so bad when things get this way. Hope you're feeling better. Know that we know how brilliant you are. Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
Is the praise real? Or are you blowing smoke up my ass? In a world full of sycophants, it's hard to know. Be true to yourself. It will come out in your writing, I think. And your writing prowess shows and you don't need people to tell you that. No imposter here.
This is so raw and relatable, Natasha. You capture the doubts so beautifully. And what an amazing sketch to go with the words!
The performance/act continues through the applause, only allowing that shriveling back into myself & my true confines once I'm away & no one else can see. Yep, been there. Still there.
Well-wrought! I especially love the accompanying drawing! It made me think of this quote, one of my faves from Cioran (whose pessimism I do not share but which I find amusing): "I shall no longer read the sages—they have done me too much harm. I should have surrendered to my instincts, let my madness flourish. I have done just the opposite, I have put on the mask of reason, and the mask has ended by replacing my face and usurping all the rest." -E.M. Cioran, The Trouble with Being Born
Oh to escape our minds
I love this, it sounds like someone who is trying to uncover the cloak they are wearing to hide their anxiety or low self-esteem, which is a very common thing people do in front of an audience.