No-one sees the masks we wear
That cover the grief within
Is it a badge of courage?
Of a stoic optimism
Or sad tears we cannot shed
That hides our secret umbrage
We're fooled by a smiling face
That's when tears are shed within
Words that hide the bitter truth
Oh to be that young again
To have the knowledge we have now
With sad foolishness of youth
Image found at http://coyoteprime-runningcauseicantfly.blogspot.com.au
That's a great question I've often debated ..is a mask a sign of weakness or a badge of courage.. submit or plod on!
ReplyDeleteAs long as we have faces, we will mask, it seems. Whether its courage or repression, sometimes it provides a needed rest--to both the wearer and the onlooker. Your last 2 lines are throbbing in my heart!
ReplyDelete"Oh to be young again"
ReplyDeleteThe age old dare of science
Luv today's poem Robin, have a nice Wednesday
much love...
We do need our masks to carry on unperturbed, sometimes. Nice thoughts, Robin.
ReplyDeleteNeither a sign of weakness nor a badge of courage .. merely a symbol of survival, I think.
ReplyDeleteI read your words prior to deciding as to whether to take part in the prompt or not.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts then have not changed, your words are beautifully deep, they move me.
Anna :o]
Such poignancy in those last two lines, Robin!❤️
ReplyDeleteI relate to stoicism, and the smile that hides the tears within. Story of my life. I look at young people now, realizing they have no clue about the power, the vibrant beauty they hold, and take for granted.
ReplyDeleteSmoothly expressed. "To have the knowledge we have now", says a voice of some future.
ReplyDeletePowerful and well expressed Yes so many hide their tears or you have to be over sensitive like me lol and share them freely everywhere. Oh and wouldn't it be wonderful to be young again with the knowledge you have now :)
ReplyDeleteThoughtful...I think we all need masks at time....loved the last lines!
ReplyDeleteNo-one sees the masks we wear
ReplyDeleteThat cover the grief within
Often one keeps it to oneself not wanting to bother others into sharing our sadness
Hank
Indeed...it's a badge of courage'... I did things in my twenties with very little thought about the consequences and dove headlong into many situations without batting an eyelid.The concluding lines are absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem, Robin.
I do think many hide behind masks. Perhaps it would be better if one let other people see the real feelings....as being behind a mask could be a very lonely experience.
ReplyDelete