What Lies Underneath

I hear you laugh at almost everything
I've rarely ever seen you mad
You are such a joy to be around
Because you are never sad

I watch your face and look into your eyes
And I see a sadness there
Such a look of vast experience
From perhaps a life that's not been fair

Sometimes, I see you talk to yourself
Very quiet, very low
And I wonder what is on your mind
What you are trying not to show

I realize that your constant laugh
The smile there on your face
Is not reflected in those eyes of yours
And it seems so out of place

What lies underneath that mask of happiness
That I have always seen you wear
And just how deep do the secrets and pain
Therein lie
That you alone do bear

Author's Note

Written 02/07/10, one of my first pieces about a friend of mine who laughs at everything, even when it is not funny.......I realized the day I wrote this that perhaps I saw a bit of myself in her.

Artist: Phatpuppy - Deviantart.com

Reviews

[kdpgrahi]

It is so simple a poem Neva, I feel it something different from your usual style. You have told the very true things here. Yes I agree there is some thing very deep under the mask of happiness. It seems reverse in not true, no mask of sadness? i appreciate your feelings here.

[EMF]

You have caught a persona perfectly here. The way people construct barriers to hide their own issues. This is obviously a personal piece rather than a generalisation of type. As a poem about a person it is both a tribute and a question. Perfect as always
It is also nice to see you work straight forwardly with the words. Polished, but without the filligree I've come to expect. I like both methods you use.

[Sukriti Suki]

Very different to what I was expecting...this is nice again...We often see the pain in other's eyes and can easily relate. Nice.

[ivizarx]

fake plastic people, always a problem whether it's in the one's you love or the one's you loathe. Sometimes people fear the consequences of showing true emotions so they put up a wall.
Great subject, though not really my thing (which seems likes a darkside of romance), but it leaves me without constructive criticism to spare so it's pretty flawless from my perspective.
Awesome write yo.

[Rene Velez]

nice one Neva, like the Mona Lisa with the smallest glimpse of happiness driving with sad eyes...

[Kenneth The Poet]

I like this. It's a nice break and the words speak volumes.

[Lily Mae]

It's the sunshine factor of life.. I've lived that most of mine:) You have certainly penned those emotions perfectly..xx And it's so true.. the secret pain is ours alone to bare.. xx Excellent write Neva..

[joshua deathdealer]

Many of us do wear a mask of formality. Its been taught to us since birth and it becomes somewhat of a habit. I really enjoyed this write.