Happy Face

Happiness is an Illusion

Happy Face

It’s so hard to be happy

I manage it, publicly

Opening the front door, then pausing

“Nobody wants to hear about your misery”

I tell myself

So I take a deep breath and swallow my sorrow

I swallow hard

For it sticks in my throat

Like a morsel of food I was not meant to consume

Swallowed enough to keep it within

Enough to keep it from gaze

But close to the surface

I feel it bubbling under, ready to emerge

Reigning it in is not easy

Can I burden other souls with my distress?

It is simpler to only burden my own

Author's Note

Pray, tell

Reviews

[TheLoneWriter]

I really can relate to this poem, I know how it feels to keep something inside because you never feel like anyone would understand/want to understand. My only loose critique would be to change the word sticks in "For it sticks in my throat" to possibly another combination of wording. Maybe consider "For it clings to my throat" or "For it sticks to my throat" Overall, great piece!

[So Ensnared Truth]

Thanks for your words

[Scott Metro]

I enjoyed your suffering.


Scott

[So Ensnared Truth]

Much obliged

[Scott Metro]

:)
S.........

[Nienor Niniel]

"Like a morsel of food I was not meant to consume" --- a poignant line encapsulating so much more than just the face-value imagery, since humans should never have to shoulder crushing burdens all on their lonesome.... And also, "Opening the front door, then pausing", which could be physical, or metaphorical, opening the front door of discourse and relationship with someone else.

I would suggest replacing the word 'gaze'; its usage there sounds odd, to me. I couldn't help with a substitution, though (sorry!).... 'Sight' just seems plain and overused.

[So Ensnared Truth]

Thanks Nienor.x