A SMILE is often a persons defense,
     To keep their real feelings inside,
It is A MASK that they can wear,
     And, from others, their true feelings hide.

When you ask them “How are you doing?”
     They SMILE and say” Oh, I’m just fine,”
Avoiding what they really feel,
     This MASK will work every time.

They not only mislead other people,
     They shortchange themselves in this way,
Not acknowledging what their true feelings are,
     With this MASK … themselves … they betray.

A smile that is truly genuine,
     Is something that comes from the heart,
It’s not a MASK … to cover true feelings.
     Self honesty …. is where we all must start.