Silent Prayer

I gaze upon her pretty face
As she smiles back at me.
She's gotten good at holding in
What she won't let me see.

But mine are eyes that see beyond
The masks we try to wear.
And I can see the tears that fall,
Behind her silent prayer.

Her youthful dreams have given way
To practicality.
She tries to hold on to her faith,
Through harsh reality.

But life has taken much from her,
It took away her choice.
Made her feel like a passenger,
Who didn't have a voice.

Within her heart, where trust once dwelled,
There is uncertainty.
A feeling that she hides so well,
From those who cannot see.

And so her tears quietly flow,
Through rivers of despair.
The light of hope begins to dim,
Behind her silent prayer.