Can I Just Give Up?

A poem

Photo by pawel szvmanski on Unsplash

Can I just give up, let the darkness take over?

I’m feeling so lost and weary, like I’m in a never-ending winter.

Deep inside, where no one sees, I’m struggling,

Every day feels like a battle, and I’m breaking inside.

I put on a smile, like a mask I wear daily,

Hiding all the pain, it’s such a heavy burden.

My friends see me laughing, my family thinks I’m strong,

But inside, I’m screaming, and I’ve been hurting for so long.

I feel so helpless and lost, drowning in despair,

Reaching out for comfort, but finding no one there.

I don’t want to be a burden, don’t want to complain,

So I shoulder the weight, swallowing all the pain.

Can I just give up, when hope seems so far away?

When the light fades and the darkness takes hold?

I long for a moment where I can just be free,

From pretending I’m fine, from the mask everyone sees.

Yet, every morning, I rise and put on a brave face,

Hoping one day, I’ll find my place.