A Little Hope

You think you've disguised the pain

But you forget

Every mask has a hole for the eyes.

You turn away

Thinking nobody sees

But you're being watched while you cry.

 

All alone

In a room full of people.

No sort of acceptance

Under a crowded steeple.

No one to turn to.

No place to go to.

No conceivable point in it all.

I’ve been there.

 

The urge to run, tremblingly strong

Meets the prideful command

To stand your ground.

Torn by fear and dignity

Every soldier’s dilemma

Can’t get the answer by looking around.

 

Stand with the army

But fight by yourself.

Wield your weapon,

Or place it on the shelf?

To struggle and stumble?

To run, just to fall?

No sense in the battle.

I’ve been there.

 

Inferior! they shout.

Not good enough.

Inferior, unwanted.

Too plain.

Whatever might impress

Pales in comparison.

It’s enough to drive you insane.

I’ve been there.

 

Fear.

Loneliness.

Struggle.

Pain.

Heartache.

I’ve been through it all.

And I survived.

So why not you?