In the shadows of a weary soul,

Lies a mask of stability, taking its toll.

A facade worn with grace,

Concealing a turmoil within a shattered place.

Behind the smile that never fades,

Lies a heart burdened by unseen shades.

A fortress built to shield the pain,

A strength to weather the relentless strain.

To be a rock for those in need,

To hold steady when the storms heed,

It takes courage to wear this mask,

To meet the world, a daunting task.

But beneath the weight of expectation,

Lies a yearning for liberation,

To shed the mask, reveal the truth,

And find solace in the fountain of youth.

For every facade must eventually crack,

Allowing vulnerability to shine back,

But I know that vulnerability will be met with rejection,

So, I fear it with only giving it a certain portion.

Kelly