There in the mirror,
A reflective smile.
Teeth gritting,
Tongue curled away,
Truth restrained with
Breath drawn in.
Keep on smiling.
A frown displayed?
Not acceptable.
Expectations require
A shining demeanor.
Keep on smiling,
Keep on—
Snarling on the
Inside, spitting fierce
Venom that springs
To exhausted mind.
Bare fangs in the
Form of a cheerful
Face playing a game.