The Real Mona Lisa. Poem by Maria Shaw

Imprisoned
guarded by walls
my heart weighs heavy
frozen in time.

Eyes as black as night
I mask a smile
staring from a desolate canvas
trying to hide my pain and torment.

Many have looked upon my face
yet no one knows me
the signs are there
yet so many fail to see my despair.

I hide behind a painted smile
dreaming of brighter days
a far away look in my eyes
trying to hide from inquisitive minds.

My feelings, my thoughts, my emotions,
my passion, my heart, my soul,
my every emotion misread
as turbulent storms fill me with dread.

I drown
weighed down with lead
helpless, full of self pity,
as the world looks on with blinkered eyes.

They think they know me
they paint a picture of exaggerated fantasy
they fail to see my reality
my voice lost forever.

My smile is priceless
a piece of treasure
a work of art
that eludes my heart.