A not-so-obvious truth.

Smiles are universal

A language everybody is able to understand

Yet perhaps we don't

We assume it is happiness

When few are feeling that way

Like a mask can cover ones face

A smile can cover the pain

It's easy to say

'I'm fine' or 'Nothing's wrong'

It's even easier to be deceived

By that upturned frown

The smile that can bring joy to others

But there is anything but joy present

Taken for granted no doubt.

Author's Note

Not a lot of thought went into this. Ways to improve?

Reviews

[The White Wolf]

You know, overall, I completely agree with the thought. Smiles are often masks for the pain brewing underneath. Why we feel the need to hide out true emotions for the sake of others, I do not understand. But you have said this very well. My only suggestion is that I like the poem on the whole but the last line seems a little weak in comparison. It needs a power punch at the end. Something to really bring it home, I think.

[Heromen Selena]

It's kind of short, I loved the upturned frown reference. You could express that a bit more, but it's a great poem.

[Geraldine]

This is seriously true. I thought no words to add in here. Everything is very well said and expressed.

[Renée]

I agree with Phoenix about the last two lines..great subject ! ..its another reminder to be kind.. for one never knows what another might be enduring...

[MOON]

Very well expressed , the mask we wear. Lovely write.

[ba_mcfarlane]

I'm not very good at critiquing free verse, so I always lay low. Only because anytime I tried that format, I sucked bigtime. I see that you deliver your theme in a forceful manner, good enough for me to call this a great write.
B

[Distant horizons]

Yes, we do mask the truth too much. Smiles hide so much, yet true smiles are never forgotten, such is their power. beautifull captured thoughts.

[Michael G.]

Short, simple,
yet you convey honest thoughts about a truth.
Not all smiles are what they really are at all.
Nice flow to this. All and all, a good poem.
(Like you, writing spontaneously is usually pretty good.)

[luna11]

Great poem, I like it.
Maybe think about putting in some punctuation, I think it is needed at the end of some lines.
Well written
xx