The Mask I Wear Poem by Rene Bennett

Sadness overwhelms me
deep
as at night
alone
I weep.
You cannot see
my pain inside
yet,
you never even tried.
I know what
you wish to see
as you say
you're proud of me.
This gentle smile
on my face
belongs to me
with all her grace.
It took sometime
to place her there
so, daily she is
what I wear.
Just for you
she'll smile away
hoping she will
make your day
as you pretend
it's all real
never knowing
how I feel.
And when you go
to sleep at night
assure yourself
I am all right.
Your security blanket
hides so well
that I'm still
living
in this
hell.