What you see is an illusion.

That smile has thoughts,

those eyes hide

a layer of stoicism.

Why draw attention

to your  problems

when the world watches?

It seems

there is a critic behind every door,

But is there?

Should we focus

on a glass half empty

Or

Live life knowing

there is still water

to fill the cup?

When we focus

on the world's thoughts

do we sacrifice

our self?

Do we bow

to

stoic eyes,

beaming faces,

 layers of distance;

covered by

quick wit,

harsh judgement

and comment?

Maybe

there is more

to what we see.

This is what I am.