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

Poem

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Scholtz Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 3:11 PM
Congratulations on your Win Joyce, very touching piece. Elizabeth
Devnath  Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 10:53 PM
Congratulation on your superb win, my sweet friend. Loved and enjoyed your nice one. bl
Arno Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Congratulations on your great write. Best regards, Jon
Dietrich Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 9:09 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
Neels Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Wow, this is so beautiful and touching Joyce, congratulations on your win in Brian's contest.. Love Wilma
Quigley Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 8:38 AM
You write such beautiful verse Joyce. I love reading your poems. Congratulations
Rozario Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 8:23 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.
Brown Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 6:31 AM
Congratulations on you win in Brian's contest Joyce. Love, Carol
Guzzi Avatar
July 25, 2011 at 8:50 PM
sometimes we must pretend..until it's so..a sorrowful write BIG hugs! Congrad's Light & Love
Dufresne Avatar
July 24, 2011 at 6:49 PM
sounds too true Joyce. Great write. God bless you.
Sweetheart Avatar
July 24, 2011 at 4:08 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..
Brown Avatar
July 24, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Nette's "Mask" contest Joyce. Love, Carol
Freeman Avatar
July 23, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Joyce, your poem also chills me. Great job. a Great job. Agape, Moses
Sweetheart Avatar
July 15, 2011 at 12:20 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..
Ramage Avatar
July 14, 2011 at 8:53 PM
One of the most touching poems I've read. Lee
Warden Avatar
July 14, 2011 at 8:29 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....
O'Neal Avatar
July 14, 2011 at 8:18 PM
Beautifully sad. Very nice I love it.
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