Sad Smiles

By Safa Faruq

Lips that curved upwards, brightly,

Now downturned, telling a story of sorrow.

The eyes that sparkle with delight,

now dimmed, a shadow of night.

The heart that once beat with glee,

now heavy with the burden.

The smile that once lit up the room,

now a distant memory.

Sad smiles, smiles of regret,

a mask hiding the pain.

Let us see who you are,

what’s behind the mask?

By Safa Faruq