She learned to smile again

Clouds hung over the bay

Rain falling all day

Incessant soaking rain

She was determined to walk as usual

Donning a waterproof jacket

Stepping out into the cool afternoon air

Her face was soon dripping wet

It was the perfect cover for her silent tears

She walked the empty trail along the water’s edge

Reminiscing of her lost love

He had passed away a year ago

Each step brought more pain

She paused to take a breath

Looking out over the bay

Searching for answers that will never be found

Loneliness was eating her away from the inside

Sadness clung to her like weighted overcoat

Her silent tears washed away in the rain

A stray dog walked towards her

Stopping by her feet and looking up at her

She bent down to pat him

He had no collar or name tag

Are you lost? she asked him

His eyes fixed upon hers

Lets go home she told him

He walked by her side attentively

Once home she dried his soaked fur and fed him

She was tempted to adopt him

He had already decided to adopt her

She looked at him and asked did he send you?

The dog barked a yes

She named him after her husband

No more lonely walks

He stayed by her side at all times

Her tears stopped flowing

She learned to smile again

Time flies when you are having fun but slows down when you are sad

Instagram followers hide your lack of real friends

Texts with thumbs up and Facebook likes

Give the impression you are always happy

Saving you from actually speaking

Lest your voice becomes an unwitting informer

Dark sunglasses hide your sad eyes

You only take them off in the dark

A fake smile masks your depression

Your face aches from forcing it all day

Blacked out windows in your Cadillac

Prevent the world from seeing the real you inside

Your trophy wife paraded in public

She plays the part well when seen

Becoming cold as ice when alone with you

She talks to her friends all day

Never makes eye contact with you

You chose a childless relationship

Too risky having anybody that close to you

Expensive home and flashy toys

A thick wallet full of credit cards

Combine to hide your mounting debts

Long hours and grinding out results

Disguise your real dissatisfaction with your job

You stopped talking to your parents long ago

Tired of them asking what is wrong with you

You hang out with the boys every week

Mostly to be seen doing guy things

Watching sports and talking trash

Downing beers for an alcoholic buzz

Your sad thoughts briefly anesthetized

Laughing outwardly at all the stupid jokes

While crying uncontrollably inside

You wished it was all a bad dream

But its there every time you wake up

You pray for the day when it will all change

You wait for guidance of a new direction

You hope for the strength to adjust

You are constantly looking for the signal