I was always taught to cry in private,
As if emotions were some kind of sin.
"No one likes a hysterical woman",
Or at least that's what I was told.
So I tie up my emotions and feelings,
And tuck them away neatly within my heart.
Throughout the day I feel them trying to break free,
To be let loose, to be felt.
But I refuse to let them break through my composure,
So I push them down further, and further, and further,
Until all I can feel is an empty hollowness in the middle of my chest.
"Much better,
Keep smiling,
Act normal,
You're happy."