Straight A’s in class,
AP courses on her resume,
Her hand lingers in the air before the question is asked,
The right answer always in her grasp,
Her voice gently glides through the classroom air,
Leaving behind an essence of knowledge.

Trying to live up to expectations,
She studies every night for endless hours,
Textbooks are laid all around the room,
Blanketed by the tears shed,
A single problem missed is like a bullet,
Shattering her perfect exterior,

Underneath the smile.

First chair in orchestra,
Confidence streams out of her perfect poise,
Enchanting music floats from her violin,
Warm, smooth strokes escape,
Swift, deep notes resonate,
Mesmerized listeners lean in.

Menacing remarks pierce her heart,
Tormenting taunts crumble her self-esteem,
Mocking laughs crush her dreams,
She questions her goals,

Underneath the smile.

Straight, sleek black hair,
Beautiful, radiant copper eyes,
A slim figure,
Crowds of friends envelop her,
The smiles like sunshine warming your heart,
The laughs like music to your ears.

Pressure of her peers,
Doubts filling her mind,
Hesitation to voice her true feelings,
Uncertainty cowering above every move,
Fear governing her entire body,
To walk into school every morning,
To be the perfect girl,

Underneath the smile.