Behind the Mask

In crowded halls, I walk with care,

Averting eyes, pretending not to stare.

My heart beats fast, my gaze so shy,

As she passes by, I feel butterflies.

I talk of boys and laugh along,

A well-rehearsed and practiced song.

My secrets kept in shadows deep,

Locked away where none may peep.

When friends discuss their latest crush,

I nod and smile, hiding the rush.

In stolen glances, brief and sly,

I catch her smile, and then I lie.

At sleepovers, we share our dreams,

Of future loves, or so it seems.

I bite my tongue, I guard my truth,

Afraid to lose this fragile youth.

But in the quiet of my room,

I dream of love that breaks the gloom.

Of holding hands and being free,

To love her openly, just to be me.

For now, I wear this careful guise,

A mask that hides my yearning eyes.

But deep inside, my heart holds on,

To dreams of love in the coming dawn.

© Susie Stiles-Wolf