Unlikely Sad Poem by Jessica Cummings

Trapped
mundane
dark
low
sad
gloomy
frustrated
angry
depressed
alone
All wrapped up
and covered by a smile.
'You can't be sad,
you smile too much! '
But nay,
a smile is not
always happy.
You can't see the inside.
Its all tucked away
and all locked up,
and sealed with a smile.
The eyes are windows though.
If you would look,
you'd see beyond outside
and glipmse a hint
at what eats away.
Its what's hidden
by a smile.

(1/27/05)