Put on a Smile
I'm lost in the dark and I can't see.
Where is the life the Lord has put in front of me?
I can't find my way out of these trees.
The forest is thick and I'm on my knees.
I'm begging. I'm pleading. I need to know why.
Everyone else sees a blue sky.
My life is gloomy. It's dark and it's gray.
Left or right. I'm here to stay.
I recently saw what others can see.
Things that are missing. Things that are important, don't you agree?
Like confidence and not looking back.
Like trust in yourself that there's nothing I lack.
At that time, I realized at that time understood.
I'm not alone under this hood.
My family is broken and twisted and torn.
Put on a smile, but feeling forlorn.
Why is it this way? Why doesn't he care?
I feel he's abandoned. I've nothing to share.
Where is my God? The one that I need.
Didn't you hear me before? But I said I begged and I plead.
And so now I lay here alone in my shell.
This moment of grief pouring out of a well.
I'll slam the lid shut soon. Go back to my numb.
Realizing I'll never know where I come from.
Experiencing emotional darkness and grief is a deeply personal journey that many can relate to. The poem 'Put on a Smile' captures the raw vulnerability of feeling lost amid life's challenges, akin to being in a dense forest where the path forward is unclear. From my own experience, when faced with difficult times that cast a shadow over my spirit, the hardest part is acknowledging feelings of sadness and confusion while outwardly pretending to be okay. One important step I learned is to allow oneself to feel these emotions fully instead of suppressing them behind a smile. The act of 'putting on a smile' can sometimes serve as a temporary shield, but it’s essential to recognize that it should not become a permanent mask. Seeking support, whether through trusted friends, family, or professional help, can illuminate the dark forest and provide guidance toward healing. Additionally, cultivating self-trust and confidence – as the poem mentions – is a powerful way to regain control. It’s about recognizing what is missing and embracing your unique strengths, even when the sky looks gray instead of blue. Spiritual reflection or faith, too, can play a comforting role, although doubt and questioning are natural parts of the process. Ultimately, the journey through grief and emotional turmoil is not linear. There will be moments of feeling broken and forlorn, yet also moments of realization and understanding that you are not truly alone. Embracing those moments of connection – whether to others, to oneself, or to a higher power – can foster resilience and hope even in the darkest times.
