The Woman Behind The Smile

The Woman Behind The Smile

You see the smile upon my face,
But never know the tears I chased,
You hear me laugh, you think I’m fine,
But some old memories still are mine.

I’ve learned to hide the things that hurt,
To brush away the hidden dirt,
To carry stories no one sees,
And still stand tall upon my knees.

There were some days I couldn’t speak,
When feeling strong just felt too weak,
But somehow morning came again,
And washed away a little pain.

I’ve worn my smile through every storm,
Pretending everything was warm,
While underneath that painted grin,
A different battle raged within.

But I am not those years gone by,
I don’t have to explain each cry,
The past can knock upon my door,
But it can’t own my life anymore.

I’ve learned that strength is not a shout,
It’s getting up when worn right out,
It’s finding courage in your heart,
And knowing when it’s time to start.

So if you see me laughing loud,
Don’t think I’m trying to please the crowd,
I’ve earned each smile upon my face,
I’ve walked through darkness to this place.

I still have moments, still have days,
When memories can change their ways,
But I don’t let them steal my light,
I turn them into something bright.

The woman standing here today,
Has found her own and walked her way,
She doesn’t need the world to see,
The battles fought inside of me.

So let me smile and let me be,
There’s more behind my eyes to see,
For every tear that once was cried,
A stronger woman stands inside.