it’s just a facade,
a perfectly practiced one.
her bones are made of stone
but her heart’s made of glass.

the daylight was her stage
where she puts on a show,
a feigned sickening smile
was her best act so far.

every evening was the encore
where she’s hunted by
her cloaked emotions;
anger, hurt, and pain.

she weeps,
she bleeds,
she breaks,
she is human, after all.

from a pitch black and deafening silence
came my beating heart
repetitive and loud it was,
a new, foreign, yet amazing feeling

thud. thud. Twice in a row
in sync with another,
the other who I cannot wait to meet,
the other who will hold me like a delicate flower

here i lay deep within a shield of warmth and love
where i sleep soundly with no interruptions,
where i am obscured from the anger
and hatred of the outside world

i can't wait to hear your laugh mommy,
the laugh that i hear every time i kick your tummy,
or the giggle that you make
when daddy makes a funny joke.

i can't wait to sleep next to you mommy,
to be enveloped in your loving arms.
Safe from everything and anything,
To feel safe under your embrace

I can't wait to say good morning mommy,
To devour the delicious breakfast,
You make me eat everyday
The waffles, the pancakes, and hmm, the triple chocolate cake!

I want to see you now mommy,
But not this way,
Why is something poking inside me mommy?
Please make it stop, it hurts!

I don't feel the sync of our heartbeat mommy
I only feel yours,
I feel numb and tired ,
Mommy is it time to rest?

Just know that I love you mommy,
I'm sorry i never became the athlete you wanted
I'm sorry i never got  the medal you always wish for,
And i'm sorry i never got to kiss you goodnight.

cheers to every strong and independent woman
out there in the open,
she who faces excruciating dilemmas
with a classic wink.

cheers to the most lethal lady
who does not need a man to define her self worth,
yet still glues her feet to the ground
for she acknowledges their mighty presence.

cheers to the brave young girl
who stands her ground
for she is made of gold,
a true champion amidst those who defy her.

cheers to the innocent little kid
playing around the park,
for we get the most genuine smile
that makes our day brighter.

cheers to the most hardworking single mother,
she who fights a bear as a lioness.
taking no jabs from anyone
whilst the humility and compassion in her still remain.

cheers to the mother who is in a father figure,
she who does not let society define her capabilities.
for she raises her children right,
God-fearing, respectful, and loving.

cheers to the women of the world,
for every single one has played an important role.
ladies, you do not need to rely on someone else’s protection
for you carry your own shields and deadly swords.

happiness is a risk,
and to risk means to know its cost

i caressed the soft and smooth
pillowcase against my calloused hands,
to the one that whimpers
from the melancholy evening

tucking the sheets
to every corner,
concealing the unquestionable blues
from the painful perennial night

accustomed to the usual morning drill,
it already seemed ordinary,
typical, stagnant,
passive

sitting on the edge of the bed
i wept, repeatedly,
realizing i shed another
insignificant tear