“The Mask and the Mirror”

In crowds, they shine—a practiced grace,

A charming smile, a gentle face.

To all, a tale of love they weave,

Yet behind closed doors, they make you grieve.

A voice like silk, their words disarm,

They promise peace, then wield you harm.

You question pain but not the source,

For guilt, they wield with quiet force.

They love the stage, the grand display,

But strip your worth in slow decay.

Their praise is poison, sweet and sly,

They build you up just to deny.

They twist your fears with cunning art,

Then call you weak for falling apart.

Each hug—a hook; each kiss—a chain,

A carousel of hope and pain.

They plant a doubt, then play the saint,

Make truth seem cruel, and lies seem quaint.

They wear a mask of perfect light,

But turn your days to endless night.

They starve you of the love you crave,

Then toss crumbs down to make you slave.

With selfish hands, they sculpt control,

While bleeding dry your aching soul.

Yet still, the world sees none of this—

They boast of love; you taste the fist.

Their power thrives where silence grows,

Where shame is locked and no one knows.

But hear this truth, brave heart, take heed—

Their darkest acts do not succeed.

For even shadows fear the flame

Of those who rise and speak their name.

You are not weak for loving wrong,

Or lost for staying far too long.

Your strength begins the day you see

That love is not captivity.

So shed their mask, reclaim your grace,

Break from the curse, step out of place.

Let healing grow where wounds have been—

You owe no one your suffering.

And when they charm with smiles once more,

Know what your silence suffered for.

The mirror cracks, the truth breaks through:

Their mask may shine, but not on you.

With love,

Kassy Gold

"Life is a mystery. Life is a journey. Life is a marketplace. Life is a teacher."