You see me laughing, smiling,
like I’ve got it all together,
like the world is mine to hold.

But look closer,
beyond the light in my eyes,
past the easy words,
beneath the surface of this calm.

There’s a storm I don’t speak of,
a weight I carry alone,
moments I swallow
so no one has to see.

I’m tired of pretending,
but I wear the mask
because it’s easier
than explaining the cracks.

Now, pause for a second.
and ask yourself,
who around you
is wearing the same mask?

Who smiles for you,
while quietly breaking?

Because sometimes,
the strongest people
are the ones who feel the most.

So if you see a smile,
don’t just see the smile.
see the story waiting to be told.

And maybe,
just maybe,
reach out before it’s too late.