Beyond The Masquerade

Reality beneath 
the shade,
A truth behind
the masquerade.
Painted faces, 
hidden fears,
Washed away by lonely tears.
Emotionless,
 the colors bled. 
Exposing 
hopelessness
instead.
Hands brought up to shelter face,
Nervous heartbeats,
Quickened pace.
Touched up make-up
once again,
To cover up
enacted sin.
                   
  -Wendy L. Kohlhoff