I used to feel happy inside,

Chin raised as I walked with pride.

But the mask is slipping each day,

And the light in my eyes fades away.

The cracks in my heart are too wide.

I laugh at the right time, I smile on cue,

But none of it feels even slightly true.

I wither in silence, and ache in the night,

Gripping the edges of losing the fight.

Pretending is all I can do.

For years, I’ve worn armor of steel,

To keep all the heartache concealed.

But the weight is too much, and I’m starting to bend,

Exhausted from playing what never can end—

The wounds of my soul will not heal.

I don’t want pity, I just want a sign,

One strand of hope that the stars will align.

My fear chased away…

For someone to say,

“I love you, and all will be fine. “