Mona Lisa.

The name gives the content away no? There's always more to what is perceived.

Temporary joy, product of narcotics.

A distasteful practice used to numb

The incessant pain, though for a short while

Bliss is achieved, underneath it all is pain.

The reality is that pain is a way of life,

It is the process whereby growth occurs.

Unpleasant yet required, for a soul that does not

Grow, is an unfortunate one indeed.

Some are lucky for they learn with ease,

Unaware of the suffering others experience,

Alas such is life.

Diversity of pain, some more than others,

Yet all equally painful.

Coping is but a matter of will, the weak give up,

The strong embrace. Hidden behind a smile, you’ll never

Know someone’s pain, for it eludes the ignorant.

Like the Mona Lisa you have to look beyond the obvious

For the oblivious will never know.

-Umer Latief