When the mask comes off
A poem about a hidden personality
Every Sunday he was an usher in church
One of the few faithful teens
But there was something beneath his smile
That could be felt but never seen
He was complimented on his manners
Always told he was being polite
Yet the smile that lit up the room
Held a secret darker than night
Behind the mask of meekness
And speech that was soft and low
His eyes suggested that if
You pushed him, he would blow
The young man joined the military
Returned home brave and strong
The mask began to come off
It did not take very long
He became a doting father
His family was so proud
They missed that his quiet demeanor
Was screaming for help out loud
He was praised as a wonderful dad
Who treated his children well
But his two baby mamas
Had a different story to tell
Behind closed doors, they found
The church boy persona was only a ruse
Each mother of his children filed charges
Against him for physical domestic abuse
He seemed so gentle,
So friendly and mild
No one knew he harbored
A wounded inner child
About the Creator
Cheryl E Preston
Cheryl enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (1)
You can't see behind a mask, just as you can't see behind closed doors. This reminded me of why I'm cautious and protective with myself. Well done on this very important message, Cheryl.