The Mask

Nobody sees what's behind my smiles.
Behind my eyes, my tears go for miles.
I'll stay cheery, just to please these folks,
But none of them know that it's a hoax.

All they see is the mask displayed
A character I'd like to be,
My cheery, happy mask portrayed.
The only one I let them see.

None of them see this storm inside,
Raging and thrashing as dark clouds collide-
Lightning strikes of chills down my spine,
Thunder crashes as my stomach grinds,
And the river floods with my tears.
It floods all the way up in me, but wait-
Stop, gotta hide it, no one can see.

All they see is the mask displayed
A character I'd like to be,
My cheery, happy mask portrayed.
The only one I let them see.

Still some will catch a glimpse.
Some will feel the darkness inside
Even though I don't let them see.
Some recognize that I hide...
Some sense that behind this mask
there is so much more to me.
But I can never let them see.

All they see is the mask displayed
A character I'd like to be,
My cheery, happy mask portrayed.
The only one I let them see.