The Mask

[CodieCW]

When I look in the mirror at the person I see,
sometimes I wonder who is that looking at me?

She puts on a smile before facing the day,
though her heart may feel heavy
she pushes her cares out of the way.

In her eyes there's a sparkle on her brow not a frown,
and when she's ready to go she's up, never down.

There's no sign of trouble on the mask that she wears,
if I didn't know her I'd think she hadn't a care.

But under the mask there's lost dreams and some pain,
and a deep well of strength that fills again and again.

Most never look deeper than the mask that she wears,
what they see on the surface is all that they care.

But, oh what they're missing by not lifting the mask,
the surface is never the place one should bask.

The core of a person is what you must know,
if you look deep inside the real self will show.

The privilege of knowing a person that deep,
is truly a treasure filled with memories to keep.

Most people know heartache and have a story to tell,
but they're wearing a mask to cover their hell.

Adversity met and risen above,
fills a person with depth and teaches great love.

So, don't take for granted just what you see,
Look under the mask, that's where the real person will be.
~author unkown