The Mask

Mask
People come and then they go,
I smile, I laugh even though I am feeling low,
Laughter disguising my cries,
I live my life behind a mask of lies.

Suffered through a lot, never complained,
Went through hell, with ankles chained.
Still managed a smile at the end,
On my face, the mask still remained.

Bade good-bye to the one I loved,
For her sake, happiness away I shoved,
Waved good-bye with a smile,
The mask remained intact all the while.

Fought the battle with an iron will,
Refused to break or tow kneel,
Laughed at the hand, I was dealt,
And even then the mask refused to melt.

And then occurred the unthinkable,
Something unexpected and agonizingly unbelievable.
When will this end? Was all I could ask,
As a tear rolled down, there was a crack in the mask.

- Parth N. Shah