The Smile That Lied

The Smile That Lied

He walked as though the world was gentle,

with eyes that warmed the coldest room,

the charm was soft, the voice disarming,

no hint of storms beneath the skin.

His laugh concealed a patient hunger,

a shadow tied behind his grin,

the world leaned in to taste his sweetness,

not seeing poison on his tongue.

Some monsters never show their nature,

until the final breath is drawn,

and when the truth steps from the darkness,

the sweetest face becomes the mask.

So trust can be a fatal weakness,

and beauty holds a sharpened edge,

for in the mirror of a stranger,

the darkest heart can learn to smile.