Behind The Mask A Shadow Grew

She had been my friend
But I never knew
That behind the mask
A shadow grew.

We had laughed and clowned
Broken rules, shared dreams
As children do, unaware
A shadow grew.

I see her now,
Her beaming face
Laughing, laughing
As she set the pace

Always the leader,
I followed her
My friend, dear friend
My comforter.

But now she’s gone
The mask removed,
To show a friend
I never knew.

Sad, forlorn, afraid to live
She who had so much to give.
She said goodbye
And went to die

Behind the mask
She had grown tired.

                          © Helen Catherine Cramer
Photography ©Helen Catherine Cramer