*Trigger Warning* Depression
She woke up each morning with tear-stained cheeks
after crying herself to sleep for weeks.
She rolled out of bed and looked in the mirror,
afraid that she would see her worst fear.
Before anyone could have the chance to ask,
she stood up straight and put on her mask.
The outside of the mask holds a perfect smile,
though she’s been hurting inside for a while.
The purpose of the mask is to hide what she’s feeling,
to protect a mind and heart that’s healing
from day after day of insisting, “I’m fine,”
while the twinkle in her eye slowly loses its shine.
She goes to school and her smile gleams,
she’s a perfect girl, or so it seems.
“You’re always so happy,” is what they say,
though they’ve never walked in her shoes for a day.