Eyes shut
Like red velvet curtains
Slowly opening
As the play begins

Over exaggerated smiles
As she slips into another skin
Becoming the rule of
Normal, happy American
Just an extra in the back
playing off of others reactions
Mimicking expressions
she doesn't understand

She hides her tragedy
Inside of a comedic mask
Until the curtains,
Her eyes close

Slipping back into herself
Only in the comfort of
A dream