Disclaimer: I do not own the characters used in this story; they belong to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and related companies. I'm not making any money from this story.

Notes: An attempt at poetry – well I say that, I rarely write poetry; I write lyrics, (rap lyrics at that) and this will probably read as such. From Mikey's POV. Long live Mikey angst!

Rating: K+

Summary: One turtle reflects that it's not what you see, it's the way you choose to look at it.

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Title: I Look At The World

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I look at the world through my innocent eyes

Got my head in the clouds and my spirit in the sky

I try to stay grounded, see the world for what it is

My father says to, but my mind's not like his

I'm a dreamer, believer, and though I'm naïve

I've seen things most people can't begin to conceive

The world isn't perfect, far from it, in fact

But so far I've not cracked, I'm still here, intact

Met foes who want to tear us limb from limb

We fight for Sensei's Master, so we can avenge him

I've seen battles that go beyond a global scale

So many try to slay us, but so far, they've failed

I've seen things in New York that scare me to the shell

I don't talk about them, I have nightmares, it's hell

But still I keep up my playful, innocent way

It's the only thing that helps me get through the day

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I look at the world through the eyes of my mask

No one knows why, because nobody asks

We don't talk to people or show our faces

We're outcasts, not so welcome in most places

It's not a case of races, it's our hybrid form

Turtle body, human mind, we just aren't the norm

Few have stopped to chat, and find out what we're like

Find out who's behind the one they call Mike

Not just strangers, what about my Dad, my bros

They're in the dark about my secrets, nobody knows

We each bear a mask, but I wear two

My bandana, and another no one can see through

My bright side, my humour, my smile, my play

I joke instead of having something serious to say

I keep my feelings inside, under lock and key

I hold things behind my mask I want no one to see

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I look at the world through eyes round and bright

Because, although they narrow with each fight

And they grow more aware with all that I've seen

My heart still remembers I'm part of a team

Part of a family who mean everything to me

They make me who I am, and all I can be

I love each of them with all of my heart

And I hope that nothing can tear us apart

I believe together we can withstand any force

But that's the dreamer in me, it's par for the course

And I know behind my mask, I hide things I can't share

But not because I think my family won't care

It's just who I am, mostly I smile

But I visit dark places every once in a while

I try so hard to stay happy, but it's no surprise

I can't always, and that's when I close my eyes

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