I am the artist.

More specifically the painter.

A master in the facade.

A chief in illusion.

A specialist in forgery.

I am known for my face

More specifically my smile.

But it's part of my work.

The illusion I've put up.

It's my form of disguise

And truly,my best work.

I observe the world

The people moving about

Happiness within them

Deceit within me

For they are truly happy.

While I fake it real.

I move amongst them

A scoundrel, a cheat,

And a liar.

What more can I do?

Painting that face

That wretched smile.

And then I see

In the distance

A frown.

Even through the disguise

I visibly see it.

Unhappiness in truth.

For she has a smile

Painted

Strictly across her face.

It's truly a shame

If not a crime.

For such regal sadness

And beauty is ruined

By that smile.

For a swift moment

Our eyes meet

Gazing into our souls

We see our hidden truths.

That we see

Within each other.

No longer do we have to pretend

No longer do we have to lie.

We now frown for the insecure

For the lost

For the lonely in heart

And especially for the misunderstood.

We are the artists

Specifically the painters.

Masters of Reality.

Chiefs of Truth ,and

Specialists in our Insecurities.

Dealing with them

And using them.

Do we really look in a mirror?

Do we really see who we are?

A false image.

A flawed person in shame.

An insecure person hiding

Or do we see a painted face.

That false beauty

We know and love.

Or do we see an unknown person.

That reflection in the mirror

It scares me.

I wish to no longer see it

I want it gone

Because it’s not me,

But it won't for it is what people want to see.

Like Dorian Grey's picture

Our reflections rot away

Turning into dust

Once they become real.

I am an artist

More specifically a painter.

A master in the facade

A chief in illusion

A specialist in forgery

For I see that I am one of the many

Who wake up and grab their brush

Painting on the smile

The look to hide emotion

To hide reality

To hide what we feel

A lost life

A lost love

But we fake it real

Keeping truth in the look

Presenting casual happiness

With no show of despair

How can I do this

How do people this

It's a horrendous offense

Only she knows

She knows my sadness

I saw it within her

I saw her truth like a diamond ring sparkling in the moonlight.

I'm I no longer feel alone

I no longer have to fake it

With her I'm okay

Everything is calm

Everything is true

I remove my painted face

And see

A smile still there

Then I realize

It's HER!

She made me warm

She thawed the icy heart that kept me a prisoner of my own emotions.

I made like Elsa

I learned to let go

I am a happier man

A prouder man

Breaking the shackles of time

And the bonds of others

Let me be me

Let me be expressive

Let me be a true artist.