Unspoken Sorrow

I carefully adjust the mask, before I face the day,
the one that I've been wearing ever since he went away.

His coming brought a happiness like one I'd never known.
His going left an emptiness that chills me to the bone.

His sisters and the others try so hard to take his place.
For their sake I must smile and show of sorrow not a trace.

My firstborn and my only son, of whom I was so proud.
I mourn the boy and the man, but nevermore aloud.

The mask allows me to go on, I work,  I write, I play.
Only when at last alone, I put the mask away.

By: Joyce Johnson  
For contest "It's Mask Time"  placed no. 8


Won a 3rd place

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011



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Date: 1/11/2012 3:11:00 PM
Congratulations on your Win Joyce, very touching piece. Elizabeth
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Date: 1/9/2012 10:53:00 PM
Congratulation on your superb win, my sweet friend. Loved and enjoyed your nice one. bl
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Date: 1/9/2012 10:11:00 PM
Congratulations on your great write. Best regards, Jon
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Date: 1/9/2012 9:09:00 PM
Joyce,this is so poignant. I love it. Congratulations on your win. YOur son and your brother and others. It's very sad all you've lost and yet you keep going with a great attitude. LUv,Andrea
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Date: 1/9/2012 11:45:00 AM
Wow, this is so beautiful and touching Joyce, congratulations on your win in Brian's contest.. Love Wilma
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Date: 1/9/2012 8:38:00 AM
You write such beautiful verse Joyce. I love reading your poems. Congratulations
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Date: 1/9/2012 8:23:00 AM
This poem really touched my heart Joyce...I guess we all wear some kinda mask in our lives...but anyway Congrats on your win.
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Date: 1/9/2012 6:31:00 AM
Congratulations on you win in Brian's contest Joyce. Love, Carol
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Date: 7/25/2011 8:50:00 PM
sometimes we must pretend..until it's so..a sorrowful write BIG hugs! Congrad's Light & Love
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Date: 7/24/2011 6:49:00 PM
sounds too true Joyce. Great write. God bless you.
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Date: 7/24/2011 4:08:00 PM
Congrats Joyce on another fantastic win with this tender poetry luv.. in Mask... enjoyed sensitive lines...luv..stay cool..it is 105 here in the shade..oh..
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Date: 7/24/2011 11:51:00 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Nette's "Mask" contest Joyce. Love, Carol
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Date: 7/23/2011 3:38:00 PM
Joyce, your poem also chills me. Great job. a Great job. Agape, Moses
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Date: 7/15/2011 12:20:00 PM
very emotional write Joyce .. I fully understand the loss of a son is so tragic and nothing fills that empty space for a Mother.. a perfect expression for the contest theme of mask...good luck my friend... we share..and pray as one..luv..
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Date: 7/14/2011 8:53:00 PM
One of the most touching poems I've read. Lee
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Date: 7/14/2011 8:29:00 PM
Oh Joyce, this tells how most of us must feel..I lost my daughter this past November and I had to be strong for her children.The pain so unbearable..Thanks for these words.This is a winner..Loads of hugs to you....
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Date: 7/14/2011 8:18:00 PM
Beautifully sad. Very nice I love it.
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