Backstage

The world is my stage
People think they know me
But the real person is hidden
Behind a mask of tragedy

The performer you see
Simply wraps a mantle round
To disguise her angst and sadness
Tragic yes - but profound

Peek behind the cloak
Then perhaps you’ll see
Behind this velvet shield
And recognise the real me

The world is my stage
People think they know me
But the real me is hiding
Behind a mask of comedy

The clown you see
Simply paints on her smile
She finds a face within a box
And wears it for a while

Peek behind the scenes
Then perhaps you’ll see
Behind the elaborate façade
And recognise the real me

Perhaps when the show is over
You’ll look back and you will see
That it was all just one big charade
You never did know the real me

©Marian Barker