red lipstick and
tight lipped smile
golden curls cascading
it is all a lie because

inside mascara is running
hair a tangled mess and
lips let out a cry
this is the broken child inside

huddled in the corner
cracked and bruised
left broken
by the monsters from before

But the curtain is drawn
the stage is set
society the director and
there is a part to play

rehearsed lines and
perfectly blocked scenes
face illuminated by make-up
it is just a facade and

the world is the stage
when the lights go out
smile fades and
make-up drips

from her face made of wax
the stage lights too hot
to maintain a perfect mold
that was set out for this part that she plays.