is it real?
the glowing smile in every photograph
the arms thrown casually around your husband
frame after frame
the friendliness you casually offer to everyone
the show of happiness you radiate in public
is it real?
the vanilla personality that never offends
the perfect hair, make-up, and outfit
the gym toned body that defies gravity
the soccer Mom carpool
is it real?
the eyes that don’t shed tears of grief
the temper that won’t explode
the heart that can’t break
the cool reflective surface that never ripples in a breeze
is it real?
the excuses for his infidelities
the acceptance of abuse
the tolerance for his cruel and belittling words
the immaculate life with no imperfections
is it real?
Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman
