I hold the stars in my shaking hands,
But they slip away like grains of sand.
No matter how hard I try to shine,
It just never feels like the light is mine.

They say, “You’re strong, you’re doing great,”
The repeated sentences I’ll forever hate.
I smile and nod, a practiced game,
Yet drown beneath the weight of shame.

What if my best just isn’t quite right?
What if one day I fade into the night?
The voice inside, so cruel, so loud,
Mocks every step I take unproud.

-l.s.p