"If only they knew how often I hide my tears with a smile."

Sometimes people will say things that inspire me to write poetry.

These two poems were inspired by this poetic sounding part of a blog comment:

"If they only knew how often I hide my tears with a smile. " -Ena

 Behind the Smile 3/26/12

I hide my tears with a smile-

My face a mask so blank.

If you stopped and talked awhile,

Would you see beyond the fake?

I hide my fears with my shrugging-

Pretending all is fine.

If you looked beyond the hiding,

Would you see the hurt that's mine?

I hide my doubts with the carefree-

As if it's in control.

If you looked at what you don't see,

Would you find my broken goal?

Yet as I hide away my wonderings-

There's one who sees my heart.

Though I cry at tearing heartstrings,

God guides my life from start.

 If They Only Knew 3/26/12

If they only knew

How often I hide my tears with a smile.

If they only knew

How often I sob myself to sleep.

If they only knew

How much my heart aches

Even as I laugh

And pretend all is right-

For now.

If they only knew

How often I wish I could be more.

If they only knew

How often I break down behind closed doors.

If they only knew

How much it's not me

Getting through the day:

It's You

Holding me up with

Your mighty hands.

They don't always see

My silent tears.

They don't always hear

The hidden meaning of my words.

They don't always understand

That I'm not as strong as I seem.

In the face of life

You see

All of my shortcomings

Yet still love.

You always hold

My quiet tears.

You always know

What no one else understands.

You always carry

My insecurities-

So I look

To You

And smile through the tears

Only You see.

~ZA

Picture: LINK

Copyright © 2012 Ophelia M. Flowers