Thank God we have Maybelline
Fashion Fair and the like
All the cosmetics known to man
To help us look just right
We wear our stilettos, wigs, braids and weaves
And all the many things that we can buy
That’s supposed to enhance our self-esteem
Because we must accomplish so much before we die
Some of us are professional women
And some maids, housewives and cooks
We have nice cars and even nice homes
And many are impressed by the way we look
But I had a dark, dark secret
One you couldn’t see on my face
My self esteem was severely shattered
By all the abuse I had learned to take
I lived in fear behind a mask
That was not plain for others to see
My life had constantly been shattered
By consistent infidelity
Yet, by God’s grace I raised my children
And even preached the gospel to man
But no one could see beyond my mask
Shielding the horrendous pain I was in
I helped so many others
With the problems in their lives
But since everyone saw me as strong
Well, my pain I had to hide
The mask got way to heavy
And my prison I could no longer bare
I had to stop helping others
And concentrate on my own welfare
It took some time and a lot of tears
To change the way I was
But the God I serve stayed so near
And surrounded me with His love
Now I no longer wear my mask
That hindered me from being free
Because in spite of all the outward adornment
The person you see now, is truly ME.




copyright 2007 Helen Swift