Day 17’s prompt: Write a nice and/or mean poem
‘Behind the Forced Smile’
I try to be nice,
Smile warmly,
Grin and maintain
A cheerful tone,
Nod politely
And answer chirpily
(Even if inside,
I’m slowly going barmy).
Most requests
I can swiftly address
With minimal effort,
But if constantly pressed
To point of stress,
My jolly façade soon cracks,
Revealing the pitiless man
Behind the jaunty mask…
I don’t try to be mean,
But it’s an inevitable scene
When I run out of steam,
The weight of expectation
Causing eternal frustration
And those responsible deeming
Me as acting unreasonably,
Ignorant to damage they’re causing…
Like this poem? Read more in my first poetry collection, ‘The Awakening’, available NOW!
Paperback – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Awakening-Selection-Poems-Stuart-Peacock/dp/1911476335