Here I stand

On my own

A smile on my face

A tear in my heart

On my own

All alone

Self-crafted shield of pride and strength

Conceals the wounds inside

A smiling mask hides my face

So you can’t see me cry

Do you see me

Behind my shield

Do you see me

Behind my mask

Do you see me at all

A soundless prayer from my eyes

Please see me as I am

Not the shield

Not the mask

But the fears

The losses

The heartaches

Please love me for my soul

My heart

Not my facade