Fractured
smiles, shattered
souls.

Grins
like glass, cracking
wide. Eyes
unseeing, hearts
collide. Happiness
hoarded, scarce
and thin
as if more
for you means
less within.

Gathered
crowds, hollow
cheer. Voices
loud to mask
our fear. Laughter
sharp, brittle
sounds. Joy
declared, yet none
is found.

Hands held
high in rigid
grace. Shadows
etched on every
face. Hope
distorted, twisted,
bent on happiness
that’s counterfeit.

No
room
for sorrow, no
time
for doubt.
Smile
or be
a traitor, cast
out. Peace
a prize, won
through pain
repeat
the cycle
once again.

Fractured
smiles, shattered
souls
happiness
takes its toll
a fleeting
game heavy
cost when shared
humanity
is lost.