Take Off the Mask

You thought you knew, but you didn't.
You looked at me but you didn't see.
I wore a mask of perfection,
I played the role given to me.

And I cried all the tears never heard
And I felt so much pain-- undeserved
I lashed out to one who loved me.
Fighting within, so well-perserved.

There's One who loves without reserve,
I knew Him not, never heard a word.
And I kept pretending to be me,
Acting like nothing within stirred.

My mask covered a horrid lie,
My soul curdled, wanting to die.
I bled through the cracks he had made,
No one was told the reason why.

Hope found me dead, in such despair,
I was worn out, I didn't care.
The candle kept burning away,
A victim in silence - would I dare.

Break the plaster, heal the wounded,
Bind the broken, tend the bird slain.
Shattered bones set in as cast.
Hold on my soul, there's a higher plane.

I once bleed on behind a mask.
Now I am free- I share my pain.
Healing is hard, Survivors know.
But we will not live in the chains.

Stand for the victim whose unknown,
Sing for the child, who cannot tell.
Break the silence, shine the light
Into shadows and hidden hells.

Reach the victim, give them support.
Let them know they are not alone.
We will not stop raising our voice
Until evil abuse is dethrone!

Shout for vic'try and those just saved,
Our works not done while there's a slave
We must go on til the cycle stops.
Abuse and violence is depraved.

We have hope, we stand tall - rising,
Love is the antidote of sin.
Forgiveness sets debtors free.
God is the place, we all begin.

Hear the testimony I share,
I have risen from the cold grave,
Come into the light, feel the warmth.
Start a new path, God's all you craved.

Dance for the soul who has risen,
Shout out for joy, and clap your hand,
We celebrate each victory.
Join me - together we stand!

by Lindy Abbott