I hide my soul in these crowded hallways
I smile and wear my mask.
You see me smiling and laughing
A result of the suppressed hurt inside.

I bury my heart in these heavy textbooks
Forget my scars as the bell rings;
Forget the self-loathing that still burns my wrists.

I escape reality with each friend I greet
But the solitude returns when the door closes as the final bell rings.

I leave myself locked in classrooms
Throw the key under essays and calculus assignments
Smile as my final tears of the day shimmer unseen by those who pass.