The Play Poem by Celia Delk

How long can it last,
that smile forced upon her face,
when she knows the second no one's looking,
her tears will once again fall?
As much as she hates it,
she and her father are so much alike,
Forever wearing a mask out in public,
Then showing their true colors at home.
He is not the likable business man,
He's the demon whose horns hold up his fake halo.
She is not the care-free cheerleader,
She's the girl who's afraid of the dark.
He hits and she cries,
He visits her at night and she screams,
They each play their part perfectly,
Never letting anything slip.
Never letting anyone know.