Guarded: Mirror Cinquain

Written for Tanka Tuesday. Our host, Yvette
invites us to write a poem about “What Lies
Behind the Mask” focusing on what part of
ourselves we hide from the outside world
and what others hide behind their masks.

my shame
deep down inside
safe from the judging world
i wear a perfect smiling face
to hide
they smile
we never see their inner pain
guarded behind their walls
their truth concealed
from view

NAR©2026

This is “The Mask I Wear” by Ashes of the Mind

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 88, What Lies Behind the Mask – 10/27/26

^{Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated, and may not be used with permission. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.}