Behind The Smile Poem by R B Seals

"Doin' well, "
The prevaricator sells;
On pleasant surface, easy goin';
No one aware of ill-wind blowin'.

"Again... the daily charade,
Image large of confidence well played;
Nothing else should anyone see.
No confidant to confide in—only me."

Thus, to family, neighbors, friends
He's compelled to pretend:
"Health fine, feelin' wonderful! " —
In days more fearful, less meaningful.
Hence, the reality of his age.
Inconsequential becomes his cage.

With muzzle raised high
He looks toward the sky.
Anxious, absence of resolution,
He deals with the resignation
Trying once more to bring to mind
Love's promise he would never find—
In desperate split second to recall
As the.45 slug pierced his skull.
His long, silent anguish now at end
Granting labored soul to mend.