The diligence of the mask,
cast over
grief and self pity.
Surrounded by peers
of the same committee.
Pain glistens in the eyes,
home to dark bags that gaze
at the end of the bottle.
We put ourselves in full throttle.
We take our hats off to tomorrow,
and intake clouds into our chest.
No need for rest.
As we decide to sit side by side,
Sky high.
Where we can lie,
and hide
the grief we have built up inside.
For our former selves,
that we've thrown aside.

So who am I?
That question so blunt.
So discrete.
Am I a young woman who is in love?
In love with a person who
Is obscure about love.
Or am I the one who lashes out?
When I feel I cannot be heard
Through the strong presence of
My reckless and honest actions.
Am I a young woman who does not care?
Who does not care at all or way too much.
Or is it the reality of my nature?
The lack of willingness to be
emotionally expressive,
But available to sensual moments
That are pure. Appreciated.
Am I a little girl in this large world
That misses her mom every so often?
That needs security…
Or Am I a young woman so distant
And tough, but truly sensitive and loving?
Am I that bold assertive young woman
That has a voice to be heard?
Who am I?
I am a young woman
Twenty years old
Who is still searching
For the woman I am meant to become.

Darkness
In which I find
Self comfort
In the earliest hours of the day
That fail to keep me away
I acquire the silences of the night
The vacancy of presence
As I value the naturality of moonlight

It's 3am

Hardened exterior ever so slightly
More of a facade, a mask.
Sheltered tenderness
Seldomly shines through.
But ask me?
It most certainly is not true.
This feeling, so unnatural
And surprisingly poignant too.
It seeds a knot in my throat.
Powerless.
Weakness.
I will not let them collaborate with me
For I cringe, as this cannot be.
I know,
I should not be this way,
But for now,
I am going to stay.
I do not have the courage
You see,
To face and claim this thing
Called vulnerability.
But one day
Just maybe...
My arms will be open free.

There are two friends, visibly best friends
gripping each other close, hugging.
a smile painted on both faces, wide and bright.
genuine in the moments grasp
their eyes fixed, entertained
by the flutter of a camera.
music takes over
devours every sector of the room
dominates the energy in the air.
everyone is a puppet, controlled
by the master of rhythm, beat and tempo.
repressed chatter is in the distance,
people craving their next solo cup
leaned over the bar,
gesturing towards the beer keg.
these two friends, absorbed in time.
laugh, smile, dance
concealing their inner battle.
the one on the right,
confused and drained
from the roller coaster
she let’s control her happiness.
trapped and torn in a relationship
full of fierce chemistry and
abundant sudden heartbreaks
captivated in the irrational
desire to be with him.
accepting love, she deserves more from.
The one on the left
unhappy, depleted.
on her own, left to be mature
to pay bills, to work, to be a student.
she is obligated to put food on the table,
to be a mother to her brother
to be strong and tough.
together they fulfill their emptiness
by descending into the party life
to cope, and escape the reality of their world
eager to welcome the fake happiness
that knocks at their chamber.