The Masque

Is that what you want?
Do I need to put it back on?
The masque of happiness:
Must I truly wear that again?
It suffocates me.
It's hard to breathe,
Hard to see,
Hard to live.
But I'll wear it for you.
If I'm so bad that you can't
See the real me, then
I'll hide
I'll shrink away
I'll be alone for you.
If this is the only way
We can remain friends,
Then I'll hide away
Never show myself
Put on the masque
Hold back the tears
Force the smile that hurts
You'll never see me frown
Never see me cry
You'll never see me-
I won't let you.
I can't lose you
So all I will show you
It the picture perfect masque
I hate.