She didn't suffer
from post-trauma

There was no tremors
no shocks in her life.

The shadows that haunted her dreams
were her very own.
Eating away at her soul
Every day a little more.

And she felt shaken
for knowing that so many
were suffering through
so much worse.

Her demons were self-made.
Keeping her awake at night.
Laughing at that deep sadness
that infiltrated her heart.

While she loved all things bright and beautiful.
The world inside her head
was a darker place.

That tender soul
suffered

"I'm okay"
She'd say
When someone noticed
the shadows flitting across her face

She wasn't ready to share her demons.
Not when others needed strength instead.