Playing Pretend

They run away
when she is sad,
she plays pretend,
so they feel glad.
A smile attracts more of the same,
but tears cascade with profound shame.

When life is good
all hands are in,
but shades of blues
fade bonds too thin.
Forget the pain just dance and sing,
swallow sad thoughts and wear a grin.

She makes believe
but inside tries,
hopes that some truths
come from her lies.
Carries the burdens thrown by all,
but allies hide before she falls.

A hollow space
fills up her heart,
she prays depression
soon departs.
Slowly inhales, shuts her eyes tight,
clear visions spark an inner light.

All on her own, talks with her mind,
advice she gives is always kind.

“Others will act in their own way,
but never let your brightness sway.
Tomorrow will bring wants and goals,
hold every joy to feed your soul.”

A smile so pure caressed her lips,
as held sadness suddenly slips.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy

36 thoughts on “Playing Pretend

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  1. Wow Grace, life is full of so many masks as we’ve been trained to stuff emotions but this gal is a smart cookie to know what’s true and what isn’t so it doesn’t get the best of her. I do love how she is smart enough to know with these amazing lines at the end;
    💖💖
    ““Others will act in their own way,
    but never let your brightness sway.
    Tomorrow will bring wants and goals,
    hold every joy to feed your soul.””
    👏👏👏

  2. Oh my my! I’m not sure how to express myself here, this was more than just amazing. So many good lines in there, “some truth comes from her lies” this being one of them. This is really inspiring and uplifting, you surely know how to lay down your beautiful thoughts into words. Loved it, Grace! One of my favourites ❤❤

  3. When life is good
    all hands are in,
    This relates to not one individual but everyone in entirety
    “Portrayal of life in poetry, ,”
    Amazing Grace , it a masterpiece 👌👌❤️❤️❤️

  4. This hits home for me. There’s such a rawness to the first section describing her inner battle to try to be cheerful for others when she feels like she’s dying inside. I get that. I’m so glad she was kind to herself at the end. Self-compassion is much needed for all of us, yet not all of us are good at loving ourselves. Sadly, it’s something not all of us have learned to do. This poem is hopeful and beautiful, Grace. Such an important message you’ve expressed. 🙂

  5. A smile attracts more…surely it does. One more beautiful and inspiring poem from you, Grace! Loved it 😊💖

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