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                      THIS MASK I WEAR

Sometimes behind this smile, there are rivers of tears.
I even laugh to keep from crying.  Every now and then
a sad look will slip its way in and you'll ask what's
wrong, I'll smile and say nothing,

                        so, don't be fooled by this mask I wear.


In a crowd, sometimes I'm so alone;
Talking not thinking on the telephone.
I look at T.V. through tear filled eyes;
I smile through most painful goodbyes,

                        so, don't be fooled by this mask I wear.

I try to help others through thick and thin;
To helping others there is no end.
I laugh and joke when the chips are down;
But behind this smile (sometimes) there lies a frown,

                        so, don't be fooled by this mask I wear.

My relationship with my lover came to an end;
To keep face, I smiled and lifted my chin.
I walked in the rain to cover my tears;
I sat in the sunlight to hide my fears.

                        so, for Gods sake,
                        Don't be fooled by this Mask I Wear.

By:  Inez Harrison
     Poetry Conference Moderator

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                      "LOVE ME"

If at anytime I have hurt your feelings,
I haven't done so intentionally.

If I have caused you discomfort or pain,
it's because I've felt these things and projected them onto you.

If I have hurt your pride,
        which you have so much of,
it's because, your sensitive nature let me.

If at anytime I've made you feel I didn't love you,
it's because, during the time, I felt unloved.

If my carefree attitude made you feel I didn't care,
it's because I felt uncared for.

If at anytime I made you feel unwanted,
it's because, I too, felt unwanted.

Me, being who I am,
and,
you being the one I love,
must also bear my burden,
for we are one.

So, if I have hurt your feelings,
love me all the more,
because,
                it's what I need.

By:  Inez Harrison
     Poetry Conference Moderator

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Poems are from the book, "Poetry To Suit Your Mood"
Copyright 1990, Inez Harrison