Foolish laughter
Hides
The tears of the clown
A smile Though forced
Covers
The aches and pains
For an instant a hug
Allows
The facade to drop
Larger than life pretense
Disguise
The not quite silent plea
Foolish laughter
Hides
The tears of the clown
A smile Though forced
Covers
The aches and pains
For an instant a hug
Allows
The facade to drop
Larger than life pretense
Disguise
The not quite silent plea
I hear them
The rats of my childhood
Chewing at the corners
Of my dreams
Clawing at the edges
Of my mind
Skittering through
The walls and ceilings
Taking what they can
Leaving destruction
Behind
I hold tightly to my books and shoes
My words
My breath
My sanity
Ready to launch
My attack