The Front

By Caroline Bradbury

Present one thing 

But make up something else 

Sit up to drink and dissolve 

But then I slouch 

I'm only fronting 

You don't see what I do 

Nor feel, nor fret 

All while seemingly jocular and correct 

Cover my truth with a painted smile 

But I’m fronting

Display how I want perception. 

With colors that certainly fool 

The bright pastels I wear 

But the unsightly feelings I feel 

Continue inside my front 

And who wants to explain

The dejected joker in pain

No rainbow after it rains 

Watching these balloons float away 

The front forever fronting