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