Painted Eyes, False Smiles

Painted Eyes, False Smiles

Painted eyes in mirrors,

they shine but do not see.

The lashes long and perfect,

yet empty in their gaze.

False smiles stretch so neatly,

they fool the passing crowd.

But underneath the glitter,

the sorrow still is raw.

Painted eyes, false smiles,

a mask for every pain.

The world believes the surface,

but never asks for more.

The powder hides the shadows,

the lips are painted red.

Yet no colour heals the silence,

that lingers in the heart.

I stand before the mirror,

and meet a stranger’s face.

She looks composed and lovely,

but I do not know her name.

Painted eyes, false smiles,

the costume I must wear.

For truth is never wanted,

and tears are never seen.

The mirror tells the story,

but no one else will know.

Painted eyes, false smiles,

a life performed on stage.