Mask

• by JoaoVictor
• 3 years ago

It's hard what you're going through, but remember you are a special person for your friends. I know they don't want you that way. I know they wouldn't leave you. Trust them to express those feelings so they can help you, because a real friend helps whenever you need.

• by Jael
• 4 years ago

I also wear a mask, but the only difference it has from other people is that I always wear a mask wherever I go, even at home. Even my own family doesn't understand me. They also judge me. It hurts that my own family doesn't even care about me, but I'm also tired wearing mask. Sometimes it slips off a little at home. I'm tired stopping my tears from falling when someone suddenly comes inside the room. I'm so tired. I'm just craving for love and care. Is that too much to ask?

• by JazzytheWight, Midway, ga
• 5 years ago

I'm touched by this poem. I felt the same way in 7th and 7th grades. I still wear that today, but I'm hoping to find my smile again.

• by Prince
• 5 years ago

Why do some adults think that depression is a thing that can be easily forgotten? Like my own parents say, "Why don't you just forget about it and live life like a normal person?" I am normal...just because I'm depressed doesn't mean I'm not normal. Instead of helping me through this, you ask me to remove it like every emotion I ever felt...why is this normal, not me?

• by Taris
• 5 years ago

I'm 27. Every time I've hit a low point in my life (there''s been a few), I've come back to this poem. I've been reading it for at least 10 years now and it hits so close to home. About me, I'm autistic and fail to pick up on social cues. Once I was an outcast with only a few friends who weren't great friends, and deep down I despised myself but outwardly smiled so people didn't know the pain I was going through. Nowadays, I don't hate myself as much. I have self-confidence and great friends, but I still put on that same mask and feel empty inside as I know when I go home there isn't going to be someone there for me, nobody to snuggle, nobody to chat to about my day... just an empty house. Thank you to whoever wrote this poem. It is truly beautiful, and I hope you've found the person who will finally help you remove your mask.

• by Sibahle Dube
• 6 years ago

This story really touched me because when I was in middle school I was always being bullied. But all the misery went away when I was in high school because I came popular, and the worst thing is that I started bullying other kids. I didn't realize that I was bullying other kids until my mom was diagnosed. My friends turned their backs on me. They started treating me the way I was treating others. There was no one to talk to me. I was lonely.

• by McKenzie English
• 6 years ago

I am 13 years of age at the moment. I had almost teared up reading this about how true and how much I and others can relate to this. I have always been alone in a fully crowded room. I have had friends who aren't true ones because I couldn't depend on them for help. For as long as I could remember, I have been falling into a deep pit of darkness - nonstop. I then met someone I have felt special feelings for that I have never felt, which for the moment pulled me out from the darkness and into the light.

But after 2 years we had to go our separate ways, not only putting me back into the dark pit but even faster with a stronger force. Even today, I have to constantly wear my mask from the moment I wake up to when I am alone in my bed. The point is from all of this nonsense, is that your poem is very heartfelt and inspiring. Keep on doing what you are doing, and I hope after all of this time, the mask is no longer necessary for you.
-M~

• by Anonymous
• 7 years ago

I am also 12 turning 13, and all my friends think that I am the silly, funny person in our group, but every night I cry to bed thinking of my gran who died. I regret not saying my last goodbye properly. I miss you, Gran. I have not been able to see her grave and wish so very badly I could. It's been 2 years since she passed away. None of my friends know this. They all think that I am the light-hearted person with no troubles. I was also bullied a lot and never said anything about it. You're not he only one with problems. Don't worry!!

• by Lupague, Mary
• 7 years ago

I can really relate to this poem so bad. I'm 12, turning 13. My close friends know me as a jolly person, but they didn't know that when I am not with them I am always in agony. I may have made friends, but still I always feel alone. I have been bullied a lot of time, and it bothers me a lot. They might see me not minding what they are saying and just tease them back, but deep inside I'm really hurt. I'm the kind of girl who gets angry so fast but forgives fast, too. I'm the kind of person who can't stand being angry for so long. Every day I always wear mask. Sometimes it comes to the point that I just want to let go of my feelings and shout at them that I am a human too, I can get hurt. I've been trying to throw this feeling away, but I can't! Sometimes I just don't want to wake up anymore. Then I will know who truly cares and will cry for me. I just don't want to smile fake anymore and fool people.

• by Heather N. Barrows, Paducah, KY
• 8 years ago

I wear a 'mask' every day, not really feeling like anyone can see the real me. I find it hard to actually smile, and it is easier for me to just put on the mask and 'smile.' I have tried to go through a day without my mask, and everyone just asked me what was wrong. After half of the day I gave up and put the mask back on. That's how I walk around every day. Just waiting for someone to come and take off this mask. I can relate to your poem. I love it.

• by Nandoram
• 8 years ago

A good poem...describing modern human beings in fake masks. In life we just act reluctantly in front of others trying hard to suppress our feelings.

Good work, keep it up! I like this poem.

• by Andrew Banner
• 8 years ago

This hits everything I feel inside! I was a United States Marine. I'm out now. I say I was because I can't find who I am anymore. I don't know what I am anymore; all I have is this empty hole. I put a mask on every day and it hurts more and more every day I put this mask on. The poems I read here help more then I could ever show or tell you. Thank you, thank you so much. I would have ended my life if I did not find this, so thank you. You saved a life.

• by Ellianalyn, Vernon, Connecticut
• 8 years ago

This poem... man, it really touched me. You're a great writer.
Throughout the poem, I literally felt like I was living through the mind of your everyday life.
I'm going through a similar time right now, and it can definitely be hard.

• by Renne'
• 8 years ago

The mask is a great poem and it surely puts lots of us under the same bracket of experience.I feel scared to tear away my mask because no matter how much I want to be real I don't know where to start. Keep up with your writing though at least its comforting and makes me feel am not so alone in this. Thanks a lot.

• by Michael89, Igando, Lagos
• 8 years ago

I really really love this poem.

It describes me and so many people.

I really appreciate the time taken in putting those words together and clearly spelling what we always feel and how we act during the periods we all wear the smiling mask.

Once again, I love this poem.

Well done!

• by Felicia A., California
• 8 years ago

I really felt as if the poem " MASK ", was totally describing me. I am always so sad, so I am really not smiling or happy when people talk to me or see me, that is a facade. It seems like the happier I begin to get someone or something interrupts it. I thought if I just cut my ties with certain people I would be fine, but they keep coming around. I hate putting on the mask because it's so fake. My problem is that I don't trust many people, certain things that has happened to me, as far as being used. I am just bitter and angry.

• by Sonja Terry
• 9 years ago

This is me. Showing my feelings on how I am feeling inside

• by Alley Jennings
• 9 years ago

Hello people who are reading this. I wanted to share my story with you. I am right now in 2015 twelve years old. Shocking, right? I have tried to commit suicide just a few months ago. I was put in a mental hospital and they diagnosed me with mild depression, anxiety, ADD, and bi-polar. When I got back to school, people came up and hugged me. They looked truly sorry and heartbroken. Looked. Now, a month and a half later, they are bullying me again. My friends asked me if I had wanted to die. I said, no, when people kill themselves, they don't want to die, they just want to stop the war inside of them. Because depression is like a war. You either win, or die trying.

• by Estela Canama, Calamba City
• 9 years ago

Each one of us, we're wearing masks, we hide our real feelings and pretend to be strong and vigorous. We often disguise a happy and worry-free life. We deny our heartaches and problems. This is how I feel most of the time, I need to tell the world that I'm okay, for I want to encourage them to live life to the fullest. But sometimes, let us be honest with our feelings. Let us be bold enough to show to the world that we are vulnerable. We need to acknowledge our failures and downfalls in life. We need to know that God is our refuge and the source of our strength whenever trials pave the way.

• by Brianna, Canton Ohio
• 10 years ago

I used to have depression and anxiety. I used to put this mask on my face a smile that everyone thought I was happy. I always drowned my depression in a smile. My depression lead me to cutting and a lot of suicidal thoughts. until god sent me a beautiful angel, she was very nice still is. She took me in under her care I still have anxiety problems but not as much anymore. I do have trust issues my birth mother gave me and my 5 siblings up for adoption when I was 10. that made the situation worst. That is when depression came about in my life, the abuse and violence, the anxiety, the trust issues, this is my story!!

• by Lily, New York
• 10 years ago

Hi I'm 11 soon turning 12. This poem describes me so much I can't explain it. Everyone thinks me as the always happy, weird girl. (Weird in a good way btw) then they also thought I wasn't pretty, cool etc etc. They thought I like unusual things. They thought it didn' bother me, but it did. Every night I think to myself how hated I am. My parents yell at me, sometimes when they check my homework how stupid I am. I know they don't mean it. But I still look for someone who is like me, who will help me. So thank you

• by Gm
• 10 years ago

I liked the poem but I feel a bit different by reading it. The poem matched with my feeling before a few years. I was feeling empty. Spent lots of sleepless nights just fearing and crying. I did not know the exact reason for them. As if I was dragged to sadness more and more. I used to read similar things and would eventually be even more sad ....... it was cyclic process as if. I understood this was depression and accepted the fact that depression is not life and it is a sort of illness, which can be handled if we wish. I searched a lot about it and felt I was under depression which was just getting worse with reading sad poems, listening to sad songs and all those. I consulted a psychologist and after a couple of year I was fine. I am not here to say that I felt the same to poem but to say people that if you feel depressed please please go for treatment. It is a illness like so many others and you do not deserve suffering. People around us will never come to rescue, as they will not even know what is going in our mind. We have to take care of ourselves. I appreciate the poem but if you find it very similar to you, please make sure you are not under depression. Maybe you can be a happy person again .....

• by Devin Edgin, Hot Springs
• 10 years ago

This story is my life. I had someone though. She's still mine, but she left for a tiny reason. She left me all alone. I am a former cutter. She's the reason I stopped. Now she's the reason I want to again. She's still mine so I can't. I'm in love with her and even though she killed me, I won't hurt her.

• by Lubna, Pakistan
• 10 years ago

I loved it. It's awesome I think I'm at loss for words such a heart touching poem loved the theme.

• by Matthew, USA
• 10 years ago

This is so very much like how I've felt my whole life. It's cold and lonely behind that mask and you keep hoping that no one will see through it and at the same time. You kind of wish that some one would.

• by Victoria
• 11 years ago

This poem is beautifully and tragically true. I even use a mask when I'm the only one around I constantly hide behind it until all the lights are turned off an I'm lying in my bed.
Thank you. It's actually comforting to know I'm not the only one who feels like this. This poem speaks to me so much and actually touched me more than I thought it would. It helped me a lot.

• by Light
• 11 years ago

I received this poem from a person I felt in love with many years ago... Situations in our lives have pulled us apart many time. However, we find I way to get back together again and again. I wrote this poem in response to this...
I wish I was the one to dry your tears...
I wish I was the one who clear your fears.
I wish I could remove your mask...
And be the one you wish for at night.
But time and time I feel I'm nothing...
Time and time I feel defeated by the shadows in our lives..
So take your mask off my dear...
Let's enjoy our lives without it!!!

• by Aiko Sa
• 11 years ago

This poem is about me, crying is my daily bread. Little by little inside I am dying. But I am wearing a mask, fake smiling, hoping one day I will finally find happiness.

• by Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
• 11 years ago

I once thought that if I could set my eyes on her or could hear the sound of her voice I would be relief. But I keep hoping to the day that I would tell her how much I have dear to see her, hold her and cuddle her.
I never knew I was lost in my dream. Now, I mask my face as if I was still hoping.
God bless the day I would get hold her. I love you!

• by Nathan Martin, Yuma Arizona
• 11 years ago

I have no story to tell but a question to ask. This poem reminds me of how my best friend used to act. Wearing a fake smile so nobody knows they're sad or just not to let your sadness affect others. I'd love to use your poem in a song. I have the perfect melody for it that I could play on my guitar. I'll post it on YouTube for you and your love one to see and I'll make sure to give you full credit for the lyrics. I won't do it without your permission though. Never. This poem is so deep I friken love it. Great job:,)

• by Maegan
• 11 years ago

It's sad to read the comments on here and know that people are really missing out. I feel this way all the time, except I know that there is someone I can run to. Someone who knows ME and loves ME no matter what I do. Jesus. He died for us and I know someone is out there thinking that I'm crazy and that they are sick of hearing about this Jesus dude, but I can't help but share. Yes depression is a real thing, but when you bring it to Jesus nothing is impossible. There are days when I feel like I'm wearing a mask and all I want to do is be alone to myself, but I always find joy and comfort in God. I'm here to tell you that he is very real and he can take this hurt away if you just accept him. He will never leave you. He will wipe your tears away and fill that emptiness you feel inside. He satisfies.

• by Layla-Riyadh
• 11 years ago

The story behind the poem is very touching and sad. The people around should feel and share what one feels even if they can't change his destiny of lifestyle. They should at least realize how the person feels.

• by Selina A.
• 11 years ago

This is basically my life story since I was 10. I was always hiding behind my book, which was my mask. In middle school, my mask shifted from the book to the mask in the poem, the one you wear on your face. I was always pretending to be happy until at night, where I was always crying and fantasizing about dying and committing suicide. Now, though I'm happy I didn't. Thank you for posting this poem.

• by Christain (Girl) T., Georgia
• 11 years ago

I hide under my mask, only letting people see the real me when I need to let it all out till the next breaking point.. I feel weak when I show who I am, I have spent months crying hoping for someone to see how much pain I was in...
Still I'm searching for the freedom, the happiness I once felt.. and no matter how much I try to jump back into my lighter days, there is still the empty feeling that randomly over comes my body and mind.. till this day I'm waiting, searching and trying to hold on to my little hope for the one to take it all away. It's been almost two years now..

• by Mya, Didsbury England
• 11 years ago

I was once a little girl who could smile until my smile turned upside down. I was no longer a happy girl I was just... a girl... a very depressing one. What ever made my smile turn sad, maybe it was the fake mask I had. That day I learnt a valuable lesson stay true and don't be afraid to show your true colours
I was once a little girl who could smile until my smile turned upside down.

• by Xxlaurendelightxx
• 11 years ago

Thank you for sharing. This poem touches me. I have felt
The same for the most longest time. It's the worst possible
Feeling in the world! Thank you again.

Love
xXLaurenDelightXx <3

• by Susan Colton
• 12 years ago

My mom got sick in November of 2006. She had her leg amputated in April of 2007. My Dad was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2007. He died June 18th of 2007. My Mom recovered in a nursing home....then my sister committed suicide in May of 2010. She left 3 beautiful kids behind with no one to care for them. My husband, my 2 daughters and I took them into our home to raise. My mom died this year on her birthday in April ( 2012 ). I feel like I'm alone most of the time. My husband works around the clock. Both of my daughters have graduated and I'm the one left working 40 hours a week, taking care of the kids, the house and most of all feeling guilty and alone. People at work comment how I'm always so smiley and cheerful.....but I'm dying a little more everyday....inside....where no one can see.

• by Jacqui, Delaware
• 12 years ago

There is another poem, same name I think The Mask.....When I read it I cried I thought of my daughter because I know how she feels even though she thinks I don't have a clue, I feel all her pain she's been through a lot and I helped her as much as I could till one day I finally realized I wasn't helping her I was enabling her, it took me a very long time to get through the hurt....One day I was going through some poems I have and The Mask was one of them I started to read it and stopped to call my sister to read it to her, I didn't get half way through and was crying so bad I couldn't read. I told her it reminded me of my daughter and she said No!!! It's Me....guess what she was right...I'm 58 and still wear that mask, there has been so much heartache in my life, they say God doesn't give you more then you can handle but I think that's not true..

• by Justyce J Bradley, Oregon
• 12 years ago

I'm crying because it's true for me everyone says I'm always cheerful but they don't know me I'm really actually emo complete opposite of cheerful I feel like crying every time we have awards ceremonies because I always get the most cheerful person award this poem has made me realize it's time for the mask to go. Here's my story and my poem.

My mind is dark my blood is black I've hid my sorrow behind my mask but now it's gone and I'm distressed help me please I'm a mess I hate myself for feeling so bleak I can't write no more my heart is weak . Thanks for helping me when no one could.

• by Tom Mcguire
• 12 years ago

People say I always been lucky to have a older brother an older sister. Yes, for a while I was. I had a lot of friends from my childhood. but when times changed they stabbed me in the back. My mother turned into a stress maniac and blamed every one. My father disowns me. My older brother hates me Yes, we talk some time but its never the same my sister thinks I'm a big disappointment when I thought my friends and family would comfort me and help me in my time of need. but.. just like every one else they abandon me and cursed me. This is the first time I have ever talked about this but I guess I got to get it out some how. I'm only 16. and I'm already destroying myself. Will I ever find any one to help bring me out of the darkness? Will I ever be myself again :|

• by Camille, Tarlac
• 12 years ago

People says that I'm fortunate because I'm an only child, but the truth is that, I'm not free. My parents always hinders me to serve GOD. I feel like I'm all ALONE, but I always wear a Mask... a mask of joy, that no one ever knows. Pretending is just like eating a salty chocolate. They thought its delicious but the truth.. its not. But always remember, even the loneliest person in the world can be happy, by God's grace! because I believe that, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD :)

• by Holly Ryan
• 12 years ago

I related to this poem immensely, and felt like I was wearing a mask most of my life until I found my soulmate. He removed the mask I was wearing and made me smile without it, my tears and fears were wiped away with his gentle touch and his loving ways. It is love that can remove ones mask, true love. I am glad that this poem was shared with the world. because if it weren't for reading this beautiful poem titled The Mask, I would of forgotten what it was like to wear one and I don't want to go back to that life. God bless all of you and the person who wrote the poem. Holly Smith

• by David Montalvo
• 12 years ago

I feel the same way but worse and I can't even explain it but I've been wearing a mask since I was 3. It's been a hard life now. But I always tell myself when the bad is gone, the good will come.

• by Tammy, CA
• 12 years ago

I have hidden behind a mask most of my life. I have depression along with social phobia.
It's hard to pretend to people that you're fine when you really aren't. I've become pretty adept about faking it. I've even faked my psychiatrist into thinking I was fine when I really wasn't.

• by Cody
• 12 years ago

I too wear a mask. I have to go to school every day and pretend like nothing is wrong, so that others can be strong. I believe that if I take my mask off that people will start to hurt. I believe that people look too when they are down and if I take my mask off they will be lost.

• by Shayak, India
• 12 years ago

I broke up with my girlfriend 2 years ago but still I can't let her go away...... And now she's with someone else...and I'm feeling ALONE

• by Zachary
• 12 years ago

So far in my 17 years on this earth I have had to live with a mask for over 7 of these years. It all really began with bullies that I had to hide from those I cared about. I never wanted to tell them what made me feel so much shame and misery and I never have. Now in high school I have to keep this charade up to not let my true friends suspect something is wrong even though they will tell me what us wrong with them. So I can relate to this poem and it makes me feel better to know that I am not the only person like this. I know this mask will never come off, not even when I die because I have never let anyone know the real me.

• by Lance Cheng, Quezon City
• 12 years ago

I didn't have as much of a hard time as you did. I had a pretty easy life growing up. I guess I'm commenting to say I really like you're poem. It's very clever and it reaches out to people who feel the same way :) keep writing awesome person!!

• by Millie, New York
• 13 years ago

I go to workshops with women who are hiding behind many issues, like the person in this poem. This poem helps us to know that we all have hid behind something in life, at times. However, we can have the courage to share, know that we're not alone and can overcome our problems. I love the essence of this poem

• by Casey67, Rhode Island
• 13 years ago

This poem is almost exactly like a poem I wrote year's ago . After dealing with childhood abuse at the hands of a male neighborhood man that everyone loved, I never told my parent's, but my 2-older sibling's saw it & as I got older I understand they did not want to be the one, but why not tell my parent's .
His threat's where horrible-never told my parent's, my dad would be in jail.
Not only wear a mask , I am a great actress, you have to be . Anything can set off these HORRIBLE MEMORIES.
Casey67

• by Tuti, Chicago IL
• 13 years ago

It really was a wonderful poem. I've been so sad and depressed because of the fact I haven't found someone. It hurts me so bad inside that I can't have someone to love next to me, but I try to wait for the one to find me because I've tried and I'm so tried of trying. So I'm sitting and waiting for god to bless me with a wonderful man that is going to love me for who I am.

• by Themba Ngwenyeni, Sebokeng
• 13 years ago

When I was 14, I was forced to stay wit my granny because my mama was always not around. My granny started treating me badly which lowed my self esteem as a kid when I was growing up. I was a very bright boy, because of the treatment I was given all that dropped down to low level. I couldn't have anyone to talk to, I was always alone, when I was wit my friends, I would pretend as if I am ok knowing deep inside I am not. I tried to get away from that situation by the use of drugs but nothing changed. I went to university after passing all my high school levels hoping something better would come up. I faked my personality by putting on a mask of somebody whose life is better. Well that helped me in finding who I really am. I started writing about things that I feel. Started attending poetry sessions, I began to remove that mask. Though I feel lonesome sometimes but I am myself now regardless of what happened in the past in my life. This poem relates me.

• by Adam
• 13 years ago

This poem hits me hard like everyone else. I am speech disabled and I hide behind a phantom of the opera mask-a mask of a clown. A lonely clown. I do a lot of writing and the ones I love the most seem so far away-they never call me. I wonder if they hurt like I do?? It's like they have something to hide like I do. All I have wanted was for certain people to see beside the facade and to love me--but if I take off the mask for them they will hear something hideous that they will walk away from.

• by Samantha, Arizona
• 13 years ago

This poem makes me feel a little.....surprised I would have to say. My whole life I have been wearing a mask and just like this poem I have designed it to hide everything. My whole life has been lies and even now I wear a mask. I can relate to this poem.

• by Eden, South Carolina
• 13 years ago

This poem really touched me. I feel like since I was a little girl I've always worn a mask feeling so desperate for someone to love me, to understand me. I came from a childhood where I was always sent to my room and had no friends except at school, I had nothing. My one best friend was my mother she had me so young and we pretty much grew up together. Well to make a long story short, June of 2009 is when my mask really has came back on. My mother died in a car accident right before my eyes...the one person that knew me and loved me is gone...I completely understand what its like to deal with wearing a mask...

awesome poem really inspired me

• by Anastasia Moser
• 14 years ago

omg Hun I am going through the same problems right now. school is about to start and I am planning on wearing a mask to school so I can get attention, but I will be coming home and crying :(

• by Irish Downs, Rhode Island
• 14 years ago

Hi ,
I love this poem , battling cancer for 20yrs. And finding out 3 years ago that I have an inherited blood disease.
It has been a tough 20 years, just when I feel cancer took everything from me, I get the blood problem.
I am only 42 years old - and I feel like I wear a mask all the time, that is why sometime's I just want to be home with my cat!
Great poem!

• by Kevin Gray
• 14 years ago

This poem made me look at myself more intense rather than just scratching the surface. And to my surprise I too found myself wearing a mask. So I removed the mask to get a real look at who I am. What I felt like can be compared to getting out of a hot shower into the cold; I wanted to get back in the warmth but realized I'm gonna have to get out sooner or later.... I wonder how long I can stay in this warm shower?

• by Marianna
• 14 years ago

This poem was very touching . I have felt like that many of times . I truly believe that we put on that "mask" because we are scared that the person that comes in our lives will end up hurting us . I put on the "mask" every day because I didn't want people to see my weak side, I didn't want to get hurt by the ones I loved. I acted like they wanted me to be I was pleasing them instead of myself.

• by Nicole, Boyne City
• 14 years ago

I can relate to this...I feel like I do this all the time with everyone but a select few....and those select few fear for me....

• by Natasha
• 15 years ago

hey
I absolutely adore this poem
it's so true for some of us
and I really appreciate your effort
you have put into words what some of us feel
well done

• by Ego'z
• 15 years ago

Last year I had a boyfriend and a brother die to street violence. I felt so alone. I didn't show or express my feelings. This led to a depression. One night my mom and I had a fight and I wrote a suicide letter. We talked and now I'm okay. But I still feel as if I have on a mask crying on the inside

• by Nikkii
• 15 years ago

This poem touched me because right now I am going through the same thing. I have a mask on.....I put it on because I don't want to show people how I really feel. I put a fake smile and a fake laugh for them. I won't let anyone in, why....I don't know why. I guess I am scared, but in order for me to move on with my life with family and friends I hide behind a mask until one day it will come off.