Untold Self

By Khushi Tanganiya

"How do you stay so full of light?"

He asked, and I smiled, said, "That's just me, right?"

But the words I spoke were laced with lies,

for I hide a storm behind my skies.

Sleepless nights that haunt my mind,

a sea of thoughts I've left behind.

The truth buried, deep and low,

fearing what they'll think if they know.

I fake a strength; I wear a mask,

pretending joy is an easy task.

Yet inside, I crumble, piece by piece,

longing for a fragile peace.

I'm too afraid to show the crack,

to let the world see what I lack.

For once they glimpse the weaker side,

they'll leave me lost, unhealed, denied.

So I smile, I glow, I keep the show,

though inside I feel a hollow grow.

Their praise is all I thought I'd need,

but now I see it's my soul I deceive.

Behind the laughter, behind the gleam,

there's a truth I drown in every dream.

I fake it well, but deep inside,

I'm tired of this endless hide.

Yet here I stand, still playing strong,

wondering how I've faked so long.

Perhaps one day I'll dare to be

the person I've kept hidden—me.

By Khushi Tanganiya