I don't smile for pictures that I take,
Photos capturing blank eyes that stare back
As I glance at the paper in my hands.
But when you hold the camera
My eyes animate and fill with color
And my lips turn up and smile.
Maybe I'm afraid to show you
That I don't want to smile now
That I'm not happy now.
Maybe I wear a mask for cameras
So in thirty years I'll look back
And see how happy I really wasn't.
Or maybe I'm only happy
When I'm with you.
Author notes
Written March 15th, 2006
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