I see myself smiling at the mirror

I can’t tell if that’s how I really feel.

I close my eyes,

Tears start racing down my face.

I feel the pain slowly stabbing my cheeks

Making my eyes burn each time I blink.

My lips shatter like pieces of glass

every time I try to speak.

I’m enthusiastic when I’m surrounded

I laugh at nonsense

Just to fit in.

I walk and run

But no one sees the holes beneath my feet

Days turn to endless nights

Because I struggle to get out of bed.

I only eat because it’s part of the routine

Most of the time, I feel like a fish out of the tank

I try to hang on

But the wind is stronger than me.

In the labyrinth of a quiet night,

My mind is a storm of many thoughts

Where shadows dance, and fears ignite.

My dreams turn into nightmares

Where I try to swim in quicksand

But there is nowhere to leave.

Echoes of an unseen pain,

Seeking warmth but finding none.

A heavy heart, a silent fight,

I just wish someone was there

To lift me up.

Silent screams and tearful eyes,

Hiding truths behind false lies,

I try so hard to stay alive.

Even in the deepest of nights

A tiny seed of hope can bloom.

 A helping hand will change the route,

From a forest full of thorns,

To a tranquil spark of hope.

Where the dawn will come,

And a step closer to “maybe,” I’ll be fine.

This was written by our contributing writer, Karina Alvarez.