The Mask--Her Persona

Have you seen her without her mask--her persona?
The pain-filled lines of age lying underneath from years of failed relationships?

Her downcast eyes with an overflow of tears she cannot contain when no one is looking her way?
Her broken heart, pieced back together like a puzzle, that once held love but dares not trust again for fear of shattering?

Do you care? Do you really care?
Or are you content to view the mask--the persona--she portrays to fool all who surround her but do not know her?

Have you heard her laugh, a laugh too loud to deafen the screams of her heart?
Have you noticed she tries too hard to please the undeserving people around her to earn the recognition she craves?
Have you seen the loyalty expressed to so-called friends who could care no less for her efforts?
Have you observed the goodness of her spirit when others are in need?

Do you care? Do you really care?
Or are you content to view the the mask--the persona--she portrays to fool all who surround her but do not know her?

Francene Hopkins
Copyright 7/22/2023