I don’t see a face.
I see a facade.
For that is all
I am allowed to see.

I don’t see the real emotions.
I see the practiced gestures.
For that is all
That comes across.

I don’t see the vulnerable heart.
I see the calculative mind.
For that is all
That is expressed.

I don’t see the silent tears.
I see the boisterous smiles.
For that is all
That freely appears.

I don’t see who you really are.
I see the facade you hide behind.
For that is all
You seek protection from.

I don’t see how that helps.
I see that it distances us.
For all I wish is
To see behind the facade.