Masquerade
by Sneha Elangovan

We wake up every day and
Pretend to be someone else--
Something else. 
Put on a mask to cover up 
The stories that can't be said aloud. 

The girl sitting next to you in fourth period, 
Has a smile that lights up the room
But hiding under her mask
Is a bruise on her left eye and a busted upper lip.

The boy sitting in front of you in English
Makes jokes and laughs too much, 
But hiding under his mask
Is a mouth taped shut. 

The sophomore in your gym class
Looks like a goddess
But behind her mask
Is a mouth drooling for food. 

The kid in your chemistry class
Acts tough and mighty
But behind his mask
Is a face drenched with tears. 

And as the days go on, 
And the years seem to pass, 
We seem to have lived our entire lives 
Recklessly dancing in our little masquerade.