via Daily Prompt: Facade

I stare into the mirror
my face bare to the world.
My eyes tired,
my lips neutral,
my expression blank,
uncaring.
The façade that I wear everyday
washed away so easily with water,
revealing a woman
I barely recognize.
A woman who hides her pain
behind a well rehearsed smile
cheerful banter
well placed make-up.
There are times I wish
someone would see
the pain that I hide
so maybe I won’t be alone,
that maybe I can finally
be free to be me.

Copyright 2016 Heidi Barnes