Caleb Lawrence Poet Free verse

Mask of Loneliness

*Author's note. This one was inspired by some lovely yet sad pics by the artist destinyblue. This was very sad and emotional for me to write. Here's the pics that inspired this. Hope you enjoy the poem. 

http://t01.deviantart.net/PT4gysSpsSUExkUce60aKwsl3Ps=/300x200/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre03/49a7/th/pre/i/2012/292/f/4/behind_the_smile_____by_destinyblue-d5ibfov.jpg

http://t06.deviantart.net/OR87RThVOWvGdS2hbtAXGDJeVmI=/300x200/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre02/50ab/th/pre/i/2012/197/4/6/i__m_fine___lineart_by_destinyblue-d4yvarw.jpg

http://destinyblue.deviantart.com/art/Depression-534485738

What do we see when we look at people?
Oft times people say seeing is believing
Yet what they see most is but a mask
A stoic impassive face, seemingly emotionless
A gentle smile that doesn't reach the eyes
A quiet gentle voice saying I'm okay
We oft take these at face value
And believe the lie of the mask
But what would happen I wonder
If we were to dig a little deeper
And watch a little longer
What I have seen too oft
As I've searched a little deeper
Is a lonely heart beneath
The exterior mask they wear
They might be saying "I'm alright"
In a quiet tender voice. 
Yet as I've watched them carefully
I've seen a trembling hand.
The mask hides our deepest hurts
And our most bitter memories. 
They say on the outside "I'm okay."
When inside they're saying "Save me."
Tis the world that teaches us
To hide behind the mask
Boys are told while very young
“Big boys don’t cry”, 
“Crying is weakness”,
Girls are told while still a child
“Crying is manipulative”,
“Don’t cry, they’ll laugh at you”
What we most fear as little ones
Is the mocking jests and jeers
Of the people around us
We learn to keep our tears inside
And say within ourselves in pain
“Maybe tomorrow will be a better day”
Thus we see the sad tale
Of a world filled with people
Being taught to wear 
The mask of loneliness
I pray that we may have the eyes to see
Beneath that cheerful mask
And see that lonely soul inside 
That needs a friend, a kind word spoken
And that we may have the ears to hear
The painful cries of the soul beneath
When they say the words “I’m fine.”

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John Hamilton July 29, 2016 at 9:59 PM Very touching write, Caleb, seems like you are mature beyond your years, empathy is a quality that many never develop, living a self centered existence. This is an excellent write keep them coming!

Theodora Sterling July 2, 2016 at 12:54 PM I change masks so many times a day that my face hurts sometimes, but as you know, for me it is an occupational hazard.

Skat A June 30, 2016 at 10:20 AM Good to read, Caleb....skat

Becca Teagan June 30, 2016 at 6:55 AM This touches me deeply. You are so right. But I have found that its not that people don't notice... many just don't care. Becca Teagan July 1, 2016 at 2:06 PM Thank you, Caleb . I hope that for you too. Caleb Lawrence June 30, 2016 at 7:09 AM There will always be those that will dismiss or not care about the pain that others go through. I hope that the next time you're in pain that someone will notice and will seek to comfort you.