Note: This poem was inspired by the song Stained Glass Masquerade by Casting Crowns. Enjoy :)

You don’t see beyond the smiling eyes

to seek the truth behind the lies.

The performance in this great parade

is really just a masquerade.

The steps have all been rehearsed.

Creative lines have all been versed.

Walls are built around the stage

to hide the darkness in a cage.

A smile masks all the tears.

A laugh covers all the fears.

They never hear the silent scream,

or see the shattering of a dream.

If they knew it was all an act,

I wonder how they’d react.

Must acceptance be something earned?

Or compassion and love be something learned?

The differences are not so great,

to make us so we can’t relate.

I know I’m not the only one

hiding that they’ve come undone.