The Mask

Full of energy,

And always the class clown,

Quick with a smile or laugh,

No one’s ever seen him frown.

But now the paper is out

And the pen is uncapped,

And he can release all the feelings

Inside that were trapped. 

The anger, the hurt, 

The feelings inside,

But in public flips a switch

And depression subsides. 

They say he’s the best,

“When he talks he’s so funny,” 

If only they knew he goes home

Eyes wet, nose runny. 

But this isn’t from a bully,

Himself he does not hate,

Then why does this happen?

I guess it must be fate.

A mask of a smile,

He puts on every day,

And puts on a performance to hide his true ways:

But at home there’s no audience,

And the mask disappears. 

The clouds roll in, 

And the sky never clears.