My Smile

a misconception of me
defined by misery
sorrow does make up who I am
does not define the person
on my skin
I wear my pain
in my eyes
and on my face
a radiance that projects from me
and people believe what they see
while the world is able to choose
happiness over gloom
and carry their sadness inside
while projecting
their happy side
this is not a choice
I can make
to show my smile
for others sake
happiness exists
inside of me
just not the side
that others see
under my muck
and behind my guard
beneath my pain
and under my scars
my smile resides in the dark