The Mask I Wear

I laugh, I joke, I play along, A lively rhythm, a joyful song. Yet deep inside, the shadows creep, Demons I wrestle, secrets I keep. The pictures tell a story of cheer, Smiles painted bright, no hint of fear. But the truth lies in the space unseen, A heart distant, caught in between. On that trip, with her by my side, I built walls, though she tried. Fighting ghosts I couldn’t release, A past too heavy, stealing my peace. I feared the closeness, the joy, the bond, Afraid it would fade, and we’d move on. Strangers we are now, as I had feared, A love once close, now disappeared. The mask I wore to hide my pain, Fooling the world, but not my brain. Now I sit and wonder why, I let the moments pass me by. But even in the fight, I see, The shadow’s hold is not the key. I’ll face my demons, learn to feel, And in time, let my heart heal.