They praised the calm upon my face,
But never saw the haunting embrace.
Behind this shell, I hold my screams—
A silent plea of shattered dreams.
They thought I was strong, for I don't cry,
Not knowing the weight of the silent sky.
This armour, built on my pain all alone,
A broken shield, hardened to be stone.
Each crack tells a different story,
Of truths painted as forbidden memory.
All they see is a man who walks slow,
But not the weight I bear below.