By Shreya Khan
Behind my smile,
there's more to know,
Every layer buried below.
Not as perfect as you claim,
Even fewer of whom they blame.
All the sides you choose to see,
Treat me kindly, then let me be.
Harsh words follow tender care,
The hurt you cause, I must bear.
Every truth I try to hide,
Shadows where my fears reside.
Underneath this mask, I stand,
Real and raw, with trembling hands.
Far from flawless, yet not lost,
Always paying such a cost.
Craving love but finding pain,
Each time, I rise to start again.