Behind the Smile

She wears her laughter soft and bright

And holds her hurt out of sight

She keeps her promises, stays true

For all the things she’s sworn to do

She makes them smile, she makes them shine

She turns their pain to something fine

A steady light in crowded rooms

A laugh that pushes back the gloom

Still, it’s hard to see through salty eyes

When all her strength is built on lies

The heavy music starts to crawl

And tears come fast, and shadows call

The panic comes in crashing waves

Then leaves her fighting just to brave

Another day, another role

To patch the cracks around her soul

And though she knows change waits ahead

It could lift her up or leave her dead

She stands, then breaks, then stands again

A fierce survivor through the pain