Smiling Masks

She screams out to the world
but covers it with a smile
she laughs and plays along
yet only feeling hurt and pain

he continues to search for happiness
but every step is a fight for life
he cannot seem to seek it out
because the sadness is to strong

everyone thinks she is fine
but deep inside she is dying
depression is ripping out her soul
something she is suffering alone

they are alone in this
because no others know
what is going on inside their heads
that they fake it all day long

you never know who it is
she or he could be anywhere
too many people have to live with this
and we fail to see them here and there

he walks down school halls
seeming just like everyone else
the next day pictured in the newspaper
hearing what a tragedy and disgrace

she sobs alone at home
not thinking of others
when she makes the pain go away
repeating if only my parents were home

it is like something is covering their face
that makes a smile appear
but buried under a happy mask
a frown is really there

we have to take a moment for them
even a little time to say hi
it could mean the world to them
instead of having them say good-bye