Unknown

Unknown

A smile fastened firmly in place.
Life is flowing smoothly, like a dream;
Or so it seems to the untrained eye.
Those who know may see through.

Tears are frailty; Show no weakness.
Strength is what they want to see.
Appear confident and secure;
There is no cowering, no fragility.

A façade is worn in front of others.
Nothing’s wrong, everything’s fine.
Sobbing deep inside, where no one perceives.
Is it possible to drown from veiled tears?

Underneath the meticulous mask,
Rapids rage; crashing against the core.
The heart beats against its bony cage,
Each pulse throbs against aching temples.

“Where is the pavilion that covereth Thy hiding place?
How long shall Thy hand be stayed?”
Knowing everything can be made right;
Wondering when prayers will be answered.

Stark emotions turn the body numb;
Or is it slipping into quiet resignation?
It mustn’t leave its prison inside.
No one is allowed to see the naked pain.

The smile wanes from silent reverie.
A passing friend serves as a reminder.
Popping back in place, it deceives again.
Practice makes perfect.

Eyes are a downfall; they reveal too much.
They are truly known as mirrors of the soul.
Close friends see immediately.
Comfort radiates from their gaze.

Worst of all is seeing immotile limitations;
Having no power over what cuts deepest;
No foresight into the future.
All control is surrendered to the unknown.