Courtesy: A Dash Of Sunny
These days I put on a smiley face
to hide grief, sorrow etc. when I’m outside.
No one likes sadness. Rightly so.
I am happy so why isn’t everyone happy?
This may not be the attitude
all the time though.
Still I wonder
if everyone really loves
all to be happy .
Today a colleague invited me to her house
to have some chat; she has just returned
from the US where her daughter stays.
When she called
at first I half heartedly agreed.
My smiley mask was jubilant
as it found a job;
but then I refused
as I am suffering from bouts of allergies
and still on medication.
Moreover these days
I am sick and tired of ‘talks’.
The smiley spoke to me
in an unusual somber voice
“But you’re making her sad;
she wants to share
her happiness with you.”
Sorry, little emoticon
you have to be off
my face now.
I’m not in a dilemma.
What I’ve decided I’ve decided.
I would rather complete the poem
and stay in ‘my-space’
than talk, talk and talk
and listen, listen and listen
and pretend, pretend and pretend.
Posted for Sanaa’s Prompt Nights: On Popular Demand – Life is a masquerade. You never know who might be hiding behind a mask or façade – [10] over @ A Dash Of Sunny
&
Shared with Poetry Pantry @ Poets United
sumanar/lekha 
Whistles!!💕💕This is absolutely gorgeous writing, Sumana. I strongly resonate with the fact that sometimes we just don’t feel like putting up with small talk, smiling when the heart is hurting and moreover, dealing with what life has put upon our plates. Especially touched by the lines; “I would rather complete the poem and stay in ‘my-space’ than talk, talk and talk and listen, listen and listen and pretend, pretend and pretend.” Beautifully penned. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support 💕💕
Lots of love,
Sanaa
Sometimes it’s nice to be on one’s own and write a poem, even if one is not feeling sad. We have to look after ourselves sometimes, not only other people.
Yes, I well know that smiley face we show to others, the sorrow we keep hidden. This is such an authentic, real and meaningful poem, my friend, and I love it.
Sumana, I understand what you are saying. Sometimes one gets tired of all that smiling and all of that talk and being there for other people. I think you have earned the right, at this point in your life, to do for YOU. If you wish to spend time with people, fine. If you wish to spend time in your own space, that is YOUR business! Smiles.
While I agree with the sentiment there is a possibility that talking with another may take you mind off your own problems. They may even be sympathetic and understanding and while I agree about writing that need will never end as I find there is always another poem desperate to be born.
It’s OK to do what’s best for us occasionally. I like that “I’m not in a dilemma.” Sometimes it is impossible to paste on a smile and healthy to admit it!
Yes finally it is a matter of choice! 🙂
“No one likes sadness.” It so unfortunate that ‘society’ does not like sadness. How is it possible to be happy all the time, more especially with all the ills in our world? I can relate to your narrative, Sumana and I guess we have to give ourselves permission to feel and do what is humanly possible. Such a sincere write, thank you!
Those who said fake it until you make it must not have been talking about happiness. It doesn’t work like that. Happiness must come from something real. And yes, many times our friends do offer that bit of happy flame that ignites our jubilant fire. But other days… we must let the sadness and the gloom work its way through. It’s only human.
I hope things are better now. And that the smiley and your heart are on the same page.
May have to relate in such ways sometimes. To fake a little but save the situation!
Hank
Oh yes not only is everyone in a state of false delirium, social media amplifies it even more. Your poem resonates deeply.
Amen to that – i think this is a wonderful place to be ourselves – it’s strange how much more real we can perhaps be in the online world.. i also love the use of the emoticon reference
it’s hard for me to hide my true face. born in a latino culture, we wear our heart and soul on our faces. i’ll stay true ! good write
I actually caught two Quakers discussing (on FB) which emoticon was best to use! “Sorry, little emoticon” is right! And “the smile” it is a role that gives something to the world–perhaps–so it is a role I often play willingly. Less and less lately, though. No guilt.
I have found that smiling still help… and to receive a friendly smile you have to smile… maybe it’s a mask, but I feel better from it…
I’ve had to learn to say no to things due to Chronic Fatigue and was just telling my husband how it is easier in the long run to be honest from the start because a false face takes so much more energy to hold up.
I think you have touched on alot of truths in your poem and I must agree with Colleen comments..
You covered the topic very well …personally or creatively. My personal response to the argument is, “you win some, you lose some, but, you get dressed for them all”. 🙂 ❤
So hard to put on mask after mask. Different situations different people. Happy, unhappy. I get tired of changing masks…bkm
I don’t use the emoticons, but like how you used them here. Smiles are hard won and yes I like choosing what is best for me, in the moment.
Elizabeth
https://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2016/11/20/we-dare-not-acquiesce/
This is so genuine, down to earth and honest. I can so relate. I have come to the point in my life where I have started to think of all the people (acquaintances) who have zigged and zagged through my days and – honestly – I find myself wondering: what was the point of it all. I now “choose” to spend time with family members – especially the little ones, as well as my husband: quality time, making memories. Beyond that, I read and write and listen to music and try to prepare a nice meal. One gets to the point where you have a “need” to keep life simple.
It can be agonizing to hold up a facade until you can find a moment to rest and express yourself.
Poetry is a wonderful retreat from pretend, pretend, pretend, isn’t it?
yes…sometimes we feel it so strongly….to be true is beautiful than pretending…..