I am Superman
By Clark Kent
Lying doesn't come easy to me.
That may come off as audacious, given what I've just revealed. How could someone who has maintained a double life for so long say such a thing? But, unlike much of what I have told my friends, co-workers and the public, this much is true: I have never enjoyed the lies I've had to tell those closest to me, the silly excuses for disappearing at a moment's notice, or the effort it's taken to keep my two lives separate.
As Superman, I had to project a confidence I never truly earned. I gained the public's trust by putting on a bright smile, wearing even brighter colors, and refusing to wear a mask. I wanted to be a symbol of hope in a world that needs it now more than ever.
As Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet, I was shy, awkward, and nervous. Know that absolutely none of that was an act. Every day I worried my disguise would slip and I would be exposed. Every day I wondered how much longer I could keep this up. Every day I hated lying to my co-workers, some of whom became among my best friends, and one who became the woman I love.
Which isn't to say I haven't enjoyed my lives-both of them. I've loved being Superman, and for even longer, I've loved being Clark Kent. Keeping my identities separate allowed me to stay connected to humanity in a way that was deeply important to me. In both my identities, I believed that I was doing everything I could to help this planet. I still believe that.
But if you're reading this, it's because I've come to a point where I can protect this world no longer. I've finally found something stronger than I am. Something I can't defeat with any of the powers which Earth's yellow sun has blessed me. Something that my parents, for all their efforts, couldn't have prepared me for.
To them, I am sorry. You have made me the man I am today. I know that revealing my secret will change your lives, and I can only hope it will be for the better. You've always taught me to hope.
It is in that spirit that I sign off on this, my final piece for the Daily Planet. I must have written a draft of this letter at least once a week since I was first hired, and if I survive this latest challenge, I will likely write dozens more. If not, then I leave you with this: it's up to you to save the planet now. All of you. Together. Because Superman was always bigger than me. Superman is an ideal. A symbol of hope. A promise that what happened to my world, Krypton, will not happen here. Not if a people can unite to solve their problems. Not if you stand up to evil, and use your power-because you all have power, each and every one of you-to do the right thing and make the world a better place.
Help people. Be brave. Be strong.
And never stop looking up in the sky.
Clark Kent was a staff writer for the Daily Planet. The Planet was unaware of his secret identity as Superman until another writer, Lois Lane, discovered this letter late last night while investigating his disappearance. We will miss him dearly.