A smile painted bright, a laugh light and free,
A surface calm, for all the world to see.
But deep within, a quiet, aching hum,
A weight unshared, a battle to overcome.
The shadows lengthen, when the day is done,
And the mask slips off, with the setting sun.
The silent tears, that no one ever sees,
A whispered plea, upon the lonely breeze.
A fortress built, of unspoken despair,
A hidden burden, almost to heavy to bear.
Yet hope remains, a flicker in the night,
That one day, truth will bring forth healing light.
And pray the people will see.