Facade of Kinship

In a home where roses tightly twine,

A family's picture seemed divine.

Faces smiling, hands entwined tight,

Yet hearts concealed, out of plain sight.

Beneath the sheen,

the stark truth lies, In hushed tones, 'neath starry skies.

Echoes of laughter, yet joy's absent,

Kinship's bond felt so distant, absent.

Words fell softly, like leaves in fall,

But their depth was lost upon the hall.

Stories shared without soul's embrace,

Left the air thick with empty space.

Youth’s bright sun hurried to descend,

Casting shadows that would blend.

Adulthood's rise, a silent scene,

Amidst a crowd, a soul unseen.

Struggles faced in silence deep,

With kin around, still solace weep.

Alone amidst the family tree,

Their presence near, yet company free.

Promises dangled, ripe yet high,

Unreachable in the family sky.

The lost art of heart-to-heart,

Left nothing but roles to impart.

Festive times with cheer so slight,

A glossed veneer under the light.

To future’s toast with fleeting glance,

Yet no true warmth to advance the dance.

Gathered close, yet spirits drift,

Blood bonds alone cannot uplift.

A semblance of unity, an empty feat,

In every presence, an empty seat.

Solo battles, with family near,

The paradox loud and clear.

A gathering in name, alone in the fight,

A household of strangers in the night.

As years roll on, the charade endures,

A flawless mask, the heart obscures.

The essence of family, a concept tossed,

In perfect guise, true connection lost.