A Muted Cry

Beneath the smile, a shadow lies,  

A silent ache, a muted cry.  

The world sees strength, a flawless face,  

While inside, storms have found their place.  

The heaviest chains are those we hide,  

The weight of "fine" worn deep inside.  

To mask the truth, to act the part,  

Turns fractures into a breaking heart.  

The mirror whispers what words cannot,  

A story of battles the world forgot.  

But silence grows as shadows spread,  

And hope feels like a thread, thinly fed.  

To name the ache, to speak it clear,  

Is not weakness—it dissolves the fear.  

For masks may crack, but souls will mend,  

When truth becomes a trusted friend.  

Let tears fall freely; let voices rise,  

For pretending dims the brightest skies.  

And though it’s hard, the first step shown,  

Is knowing you’re not alone.