DISCOVERY and CANVAS

DISCOVERY

I am a human being . . .
I am more than the roles I play.
I wish you could look behind my mask
And hear what I'm trying to say.
I am laughter and tears
Amd strength and fears.
I am dread; I am dreams;
And whispers and screams.
I am a human being . . .
So much more than what I do.
There is a real person here:
A person I wish you knew.
I am joy; I am sorrow.
I am faith in tomorrow.
I'm bold and I'm bright;
I am tears in the night.
I am a human being . . .
Look carefully, and you'll see
That underneath the masks and roles
There is a real me.

(reprinted from JOURNEY FROM DARKNESS, c2005, Candace E. Barnes)


CANVAS

My face is a canvas
On which I paint
A smile for the world to see.

First blush is placed
Along the planes
Where cheekbones ought to be.

Eyeshadow is next,
Most skillfully drawn;
She begins to look like "me."

Then comes the lipstick,
Cupid's bow
Followed carefully.

And finally mascara
Covers lashes blond;
Loaded on liberally.

Short hair is brushed,
Stray eyebrow plucked,
And at last there is to see

The face I show society,
That hides the real me.