A friend's betrayal cuts deep,
Pretending to be so true,
Knife thrust in your back,
The moment your guard is down.

What false personas are shown?
Who we wish we were or just masks?
Ugly full of hate, lashing out,
Crippled inside, pretending all is well.

Friendly face, your pal forever,
Ugly words behind your back,
Pretends all is wonderful,
But what do they really think?  

Sexy persona set to lure,
Promising love, lust, and fun,
Evil games played with hearts,
Drawn into this viscous web.

The good parent crumbles,
'Neath the pressures of life,
A rift newly formed,
Never to be fully mended.  

Dedicated workers face next,
Job detested, boss put down,
Productivity declines,
Just another false persona.

Christian face lastly,
Church does not make godly,
Life not dedicated to good,
The fruit tells the story.

Which persona is real?
None of them more than a mask,
Each of them easily crumbles,
Exposing what should be left buried.

12-28-02
Laura R