There’s something…
there in her eyes.
For a moment
it flashes then fades.
It’s sadness, a sorrow, —
a secret too deep to reveal.
Her hands sometimes quiver;
her mind often wanders,
but only for an instant.
And again, she smiles
from behind her waxy mask,
makes a little joke
and, for a while,
All is right.

© L. Rose